DAVE Artell expects to have Callum Ainley on board for the 2021/22 season as he revealed the attacker's protracted contract negotiations are nearing completion.

Ainley was offered fresh terms in the latter half of last season, but he appeared to have been sizing up the summer market as the contract issue remained unresolved into May. But Crewe have now persuaded the Middlewich-based player of the value he will gain extending his six-year career with the club.

Artell expects the 23-year-old homegrown player to put pen to paper soon.

"We're very close. It's just a case of the lawyers now really. The agreement is done in principle and I've got to speak to Callum's agent which is imminent," said the Crewe boss, who has had a busy month completing two deals and a loan arrangement while sizing up other targets.

Artell says he expects to make "at least" two more signings in the coming weeks to add to his recent round of business.

He added midfielder Shaun MacDonald and loan full-back Kane Ramsay to the ranks this week, after completing a deal for striker Chris Long earlier in June.

But with Ryan Wintle agreeing terms at Cardiff City this week, the lack of numbers in the centre of defence with Omar Beckles also having chosen to leave and Olly Lancashire released, means that is a priority area for Artell.

"We need a defender or two and after that we'll see where we need to get to," he added. "We've got a couple more to do at least. We won't be losing anyone unless someone makes an outrageous bid - I'm not looking to replace anyone.

"So I think two, maybe three, possibly a fourth but that is unlikely and would depend on numerous factors."

Of his most recent recruits, Artell believes he has recruited two "solid" characters, one a promising young defender with Premiership ambition and the other a very experienced internationalist who it is hoped could emulate the contribution made by former veteran midfielder Paul Green during his stay at the club.

"I'm pretty sure Kane will be able to handle League One. He had a loan spell at Shrewsbury before Covid hit so he knows what he is letting himself in for. We can help him along the way - he's a solid player that we can help going forward," added Artell.

"Shaun has had a terrific career and is similar to Greeny and we want him to replicate the impact he had, but probably in a different role.

"A big attraction for Shaun was that we play the right way and that has whetted his appetite. He's going to have to play and start the moves for us. But he's a terrific, solid character and he'll fit right in here - we've got a cracker in midfield I'd say."

MacDonald could face competition in the middle of the park from youngster Josh Lundstram, who penned a new two-year contract today.

Lundstram, 22, featured for the first early on last season with a handful of appearances, but an ankle break disrupted his campaign before he spent time on loan in the National League with Altrincham after he was fit again.