DEAN KEATES has urged out of favour Wrexham players to accept offers from other clubs to keep themselves in the shop window.

Keates is looking to make new signings during the January transfer window to give the fight against relegation a boost and he also wants to offload members of the squad who are not part of his plans.

Loan frontmen Ben Tollitt and Mark Harris have returned to their parent clubs while Michael Chambers has had his contract terminated by mutual consent, with the defender joining Bromley.

Clubs have been in touch regarding other players who don't have a future at The Racecourse but they are reluctant to move on.

Keates says individuals can't afford to not play matches elsewhere if they get the chance because it could backfire on them next season.

"There have been enquiries regarding one or two players," said Keates.

"But ultimately, players have to see the opportunity to go and play football; if they are not playing here, they have to go and play but one or two have turned them down.

"Most players are not going to agree with you when you are not putting them in the team or in the squad. They will see it different and that is just down to opinions.

"Ultimately, it is my opinion what I feel I need out there at the weekend and what takes the football club forward.

"It is not nice but it is part and parcel of the business and the job that I am in. I have been honest, open and up front with the players, they all know where they stand with me, and it is the opportunity to go and play somewhere.

"Football is a ruthless business so if you are not playing this season, you are easily forgotten.

"It will also affect you next season because you have not played for a long time and the first thing that people ask is how many games they have played."

Keates remains optimistic that he will complete a permanent deal for a creative player before Wrexham, who didn't have a game at the weekend, return to action against Woking at The Racecourse on Saturday.

"It is not far off," said Keates.

"But one thing I have learnt over the last few years being on the other side in football is that nothing actually happens until the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.

"It is not a million miles away but it is not fully over the line yet. One or two formalities need sorting.

"It has taken a little bit longer than we expected but I am fairly optimistic and hopeful that it will get done in the next couple of days."

Keates has also been in talks with a player who could join Wrexham on loan.

"The one that we are looking at on loan, we have had conversations but there has been a bereavement in his family so it is on the backburner and things may have changed," added Keates.