Subject to undergoing a medical at the Moss Rose on Wednesday midfielder Lee Bell is expected to sign for the Silkmen on a one year deal.

The 25 year old was one of several players released by Mansfield Town after their relegation to the Blue Square Premier early this month, a decision that immediately alerted Keith Alexander who will be delighted to secure the former Crewe trainee's services.

"It is clear that we needed to strengthen our midfield options so I was keen to get Lee on board once I heard he had been let go by the Stags," explained Keith. "Both Gary and I had been impressed on the occasions we had seen him play and I am confident he will be a good addition to the squad."

"He suffered an injury that kept him out of most of their run in, which according to Billy Dearden was a big factor in their inability to escape the drop. Billy felt had he stayed fit, Lee would have been the difference."

"I am looking for him to bring that extra bit of quality to our midfield play that was perhaps missing last season. He learnt is trade at Crewe which is as good a place as any and I am excited by the possibility of him pairing up with Terry Dunfield in the middle of the park."

"Above all I know he is hungry to do well and prove he is capable of playing at a higher level. He wasn't put off by just the one year deal which is good as I think sometimes you are taking a risk when you sign players on for a longer term. But he has a chance now to prove to me and everyone at the club he can do a job for us and I know that is something he is really looking forward to doing."

And the manager was hopeful that more would be following in Lee's footsteps.

"We should be in a position to announce a few more additions to the squad over the course of the ten days or so. We've had some good discussions with potential targets and subject to reaching a final agreement we should have some more news on that front later this week."

Lee Bell Career Statistics

1st Jan 2002 to 3rd Aug 2007 Crewe 36 games (26 subs) 3 goals

2nd Oct 2003 to 2nd Nov 2003 Shrewsbury Town (loan) 2 (2) 0

3rd Aug 2007 to Present  Mansfield Town 27 (1) 1

Lee also had two spells on loan at Burton Albion in 2005 and 2007 - 15 games (3 subs) 1 goal

Silkmen Online will be carrying an exclusive interview with Lee on Wednesday.