Crewe have missed out on Lincoln centre-back Jamie McCombe after the 23-year-old agreed to move to Bristol City on a two-year deal.
Alex looked set to snap up the 6ft 6ins defender after triggering a clause in his contract with an undisclosed offer, but the Robins moved quickly to match that offer and McCombe travelled down to the west country to tie up the deal on Thursday.
City boss Gary Johnson said: "We are pleased to secure Jamie's services. We have had him watched for four to five months - he adds some height to the squad but is also nice and mobile for a big lad and a good footballer."
The Yorkshire born giant, who has also played for Scunthorpe, decided to move on after the Imps were denied promotion by defeat to Grimsby in the play-off semi-finals.