Crewe Alexandra's newly-appointed manager has confirmed the club is targeting a new 'striking option' - in the upcoming January transfer window.

Lee Bell was officially appointed Crewe Alexandra first-team manager on Thursday (December 1) - suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Newport County on Friday (December 2).

This defeat came after a 3-0 away defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup Second Round - when Bell was interim manager.

Crewe Alexandra suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Newport County on Friday - December 2 (Ryan Parker).

Before this, the former Alex captain had a perfect start to management - winning 1-0 against Leyton Orient, Colchester United and Swindon Town.

Crewe are without experienced strikers Courtney Baker-Richardson and Chris Long for the foreseeable future.

Today (December 7), Bell confirmed work is going on behind to scenes to freshen up the squad - when the January 2023 transfer window opens next month.

Bell told Crewe Alexandra's website: "We are working hard behind the scenes to put things in place for when the window opens.  

"We have a meeting in the next week to finalise where we are going. It's difficult in this window.

Lee Bell was officially appointed Crewe Alexandra first-team manager on Thursday - December 1 (Kevin Warburton).

"We won't be going out and spending money to buy players, and we might have to do some work in the building to be able to get players in.

"A striking option will be on the list. We'd want someone who has played in the league but that might not happen, and we might have to go for a younger player."

Bell confirmed talks are also already underway regarding the futures of loan players Lachlan Brook, Eli King, and Khanya Leshabela.

The trio's loan deals all expire next month.

Lachlan Brook's current loan deal from Brentford ends in January 2023 (Kevin Warburton).

Bell added: "We need to have competition for places. "Players need to know their place is under threat, and that's what we will try to get in the January window."

"We are making plans for all scenarios, we are discussing things with the players and their clubs, and we are making plans.

"We are hopeful it will develop quickly and decisions are made." 

Head of Recruitment, Josh Kennard, and Crewe's management staff are working on targets in preparation for the January transfer window.

Crewe Alexandra host League Two leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday (December 10) at 1pm (Peter Robinson).

Next up: Crewe Alexandra host League Two leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday (December 10) at 1pm.

READ MORE: National Lottery Heritage Fund commits millions to new Crewe history archive facility.

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