Hartlepool United boss Craig Hignett has makes fourth summer signing with capture of former Rochdale striker Lewis Alessandra

Hignett had already brought in goal-scoring midfielder Nicky Deverdics and 37-goal Grimsby hot-shot, Padraig Amond, along with his Mariners team-mate, centre-half Toto Nsalia.

Allessandra is likely to be his final forward acquisition, the 27-year-old can operate either up front or wide of a central striker.

The Manchester-born player started his career with Oldham Athletic, where he was a product of the youth system, going on to play 76 times for the Latics.

Alessandra then spent two years with Morecambe before moving on to Plymouth Argyle, where he scored 25 goals in 101 appearances.

But his subsequent rise to League One Rochdale 12 months ago did not work out and was loaned out to York City, playing in the 2-1 defeat at the Vic in April ahead of the Minstermen’s relegation.

Hignett told the Pools website: “Lewis has all got traits we were looking for – he’s a good footballer.

“He scores goals, he’s intelligent and he’s ambitious.

“He can play up front as a striker, just off as a number 10 or even from wide but he’s another one who is forward-thinking and can add something to the squad.”