BARNSLEY boss Dave Bassett today ruled out a summer swoop for Blackburn Rovers out of favour striker Nathan Blake.

Welsh international Blake has been told by manager Graeme Souness that he is free to find himself a new club this summer.

But despite rumours of a possible move to Oakwell, Bassett has admitted he cannot afford to re-sign the player after the pair worked together at Sheffield United.

"I've got a lot of time for Nathan and he is a player I rate highly," said Bassett.

"But the simple fact is we cannot afford him.

"I know we've just got some money for Craig Hignett but I'll probably only get a million of that -- the rest will go to the club.

"So Nathan's wages would be out of our league."

It was Bassett who helped to launch Blake's career when he signed him from Cardiff in 1994.

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers are not after Liverpool keeper Brad Friedel.

Speculation in one of the tabloids claimed manager Graeme Souness was about to step up his interest in the American.

But, though the Ewood chief is a keen admirer of the player, Rovers feel they already have enough cover in that position.