Crawley have been priced out of a deal for former Albion striker George Barker.

Reds boss Mark Yates was keen to snap up Barker, pictured above, following his release by Swindon at the end of last season but has been frustrated by a lack of budget.

Barker, 23, did not feature against the Seagulls – who he made four first team appearances for after coming through the youth ranks – on Wednesday night having played in Crawley’s previous two friendlies against Burgess Hill and Fulham.

Former Arsenal striker Roarie Deacon has also ended his trial period with the club although Yates intends to continue monitoring the 23-year-old.

Yates said: “George is a player who I really like but unfortunately it doesn’t look like we are going to be able to do anything with him. The same applies to Roarie but we’ll keep an eye on him and whether that situation changes in the future I don’t know.”

Former Southampton and Tottentham striker Lee Barnard will get another chance to impress Yates when Reds take on Reading at the Checkatrade.com Stadium on Monday.

Ex-Aston Villa full-back Isaac Nehemie will also feature against the Royals after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Albion along with Australian duo Ryan Edwards and Aaron Lennox.

Midfielder Edwards was released by Reading at the end of last season after making seven appearances for the Championship outfit while goalkeeper Lennox left QPR this summer.

Yates added: “Lee did well the other night. We asked him to do a job for us and he showed that he is a real team player.

“Whoever gets him – whether it is us or someone else – will be getting a top pro with a good attitude and lots to offer. We have just got to work out whether we can fit him in.

“We’re still low on numbers so all those who were with us on Wednesday will be involved on Monday and then we will have to decide exactly where we are going.”

Yates has also confirmed that a loan deal for a full-back has been delayed due to the player suffering a minor injury.

“We thought we had done a deal but we’re going to have to wait now,” added Yates.

“We’re still hopeful of signing the lad but we can’t do anything until the injury has cleared up in a week or so.”