Manager Dario Gradi has ruled out signing Leicester midfielder Craig Hignett.

The 34-year-old, who had a spell on loan at Gresty Road earlier in the season, has been informed by Leicester that he can leave on a free transfer despite having a year left on his contract and is looking for a new club.

But Gradi believes that a permanent deal will not be possible due to financial constraints at the Cheshire club.

"It would be nice to have Craig here but we cannot afford him," Gradi told the club's official website, www.crewealex.net

"When Craig was here at the end of the season he was fantastic to have around the place but things did not go as well as we would have liked on the pitch.

"He still has a year left at Leicester and I don't know what the situation is regarding that, but his wages would be well over the top for us.

"I just can't afford that kind of luxury player any more."