Steve Davis admits to the club's official web-site that he has to move on in search for left-back

Steve Davis says that it is unlikely Crewe Alexandra will come to a deal with defender Greg Leigh. The Alex boss has met with the player’s representatives but the two parties appear polls apart when it comes to the financial package.

Leigh, 19, has been released by his parent club Manchester City his summer and Crewe had hoped that the opportunity to play first-team football again on a regular basis could prompt him to return to Gresty Road.

Leigh made 42 appearances on loan with the Railwaymen last season and he won the club’s award for Goal of the Season following his superb strike against Scunthorpe.

Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “We have had dialogue with Greg’s agent and we have worked on it for a number of weeks now. We cannot wait for ever and have to move on and explore our other options.  

“It is disappointing because I thought we would get him as he was our first choice. We knew what he was about and he knew the club. He would have fitted in like he did last season and is a Manchester lad. It would have been ideal for him but we cannot pay the sort of money Manchester City pay him.

“That is the problem with the lads coming down from the Under-21 sides of the top clubs. They are paid a lot of money at a young age and I suppose they get accustomed to their lifestyles. It can be difficult.

“We wanted Greg to come here, to play in our team and rebuild his career. He would then get that type of money again depending on his performances.

Steve added: “I thought he would stay with us so it is a bit disappointing but we cannot wait for ever and we are too far away with the finances.”