CRYSTAL Palace manager Neil Warnock has ruled out a move for Ipswich striker Jon Stead.

CRYSTAL Palace manager Neil Warnock has ruled out a move for Ipswich striker Jon Stead.

The Eagles were linked with the out-of-favour 26-year-old prior to the closure of the transfer window last week, however, Warnock - who managed Stead for a short spell towards the end of his time at Sheffield United - has admitted that the former Blackburn striker is out of his price range.

He said: “We can't afford Jon Stead. I don't think we will be doing anything this week but we are still on lookout for a striker with [Stern] John out until the end of October.”

Prior to the transfer window closing, Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll also said that wages would probably prevent his club from signing Stead.