JAMIE Ness remains on Crewe Alexandra’s radar as the club look to sign two new midfielders.

The 24-year-old Stoke City player enjoyed a successful loan stint with the Railwaymen, playing a big part in last season’s last-gasp survival.

And with boss Steve Davis making the midfield his number one priority, the former Glasgow Rangers man would fit the bill.

“We’re keen for Jamie to come back,” he said.

“He’s one of a number that we’d like to bring in but he’s still got to resolve what’s going on at Stoke.

“We wouldn’t be against someone of that calibre who has played in this league and has ambitions to play higher.

“They’re exactly the kind of players we’re looking for because they are hungry and they want to do well.

“We know what we’re getting with Jamie because he knows how we’ll play and what is required here.”

With out-of-contract Anthony Grant moving on, Davis hopes to have the budget to try and take Ness alongside another option.

“We need two and that is my number one priority,” he continued.

‘We only have James Jones and Chris Atkinson with any experience so we have to move.

“I think this group is better than the one that started last season, especially if Ryan (Colclough) and Matt (Tootle) sign their new contracts and stay fit.

“But we need to add more quality and I want footballers that are comfortable on the ball.

“We need to be playing more football, controlling the game more and producing some more energy.

“It’s been hard to replace the likes of Westy and Murph but that is what we need to do.

“If you have the quality and ability to pass, it doesn't matter what system you play because they can adapt.”

Davis admits it is a frustrating time as he looks to get the right players in.

“We began the process many months ago and then you go through the stage of talking to the players and agents,” he added.

“You’ve got to know who is going to leave and who you can replace them with.

“Many discussions have taken place and will continue to do so.

“We’re waiting to see who wants to take it further.

‘We’ve done our homework and we’re now into the final part of negotiations.”

Davis is still waiting to get the green light from Colclough and last season loanee Greg Leigh.

“We’re hopeful something could be sorted soon,” he said.

“It’s been all positive and all we can do is encourage Ryan to stay.

“We want him to continue his development with us but all we can do at the moment is sit tight and see what happens."