LOSING out on the signature of winger Jamie Devitt is a blow for Crewe Alexandra, first team coach James Collins admits.

The Alex expressed an interest the 25-year-old wide man after his contract at Morecambe expired and they appeared to be in pole position for his signature.

However, the former Hull City youngster has opted to join fellow League Two outfit Carlisle United and Collins says the disappointment of missing out on players is simply part of the game.

“As long as I’ve been here as a player and coach, Crewe have always lost out on players. It happens,” he said.

“It is always a blow to lose out on a player you feel would come into the club and do well for you.

“Jamie came and met Steve Davis and the talks were positive, he seemed to like it and seemed keen to come.

“I think it came down to the finances in the end. There are always going to be clubs who are prepared to pay a big more money than us.”

Another player The Alex are keen to recruit for next season is defender Zoumana Bakayogo, who enjoyed a fine end to the season at Gresty Road after joining the club in January.

A longer term contract is on the table, but Collins says they are still to hear from the 29-year-old.

“It can be a game of cat and mouse at this stage of pre-season and you have to play the game to a certain extent,” he said.

“It has been strung out more than we would have liked but you always have to appreciate that Zooms has a family he has to look after and the players have that power nowadays.

“They don’t have to make a quick decision and can pick and choose when they want to come to a decision.

“If we are approaching pre-season without a recognised left-back in the squad then we will need one.

“You cannot hold a player to ransom and we all want him to stay.”