Latics look at Windass loan

ATHLETIC would neither confirm nor deny today that they have made an inquiry to sign veteran striker Dean Windass on loan.

Hull City are happy to let the 39-year-old go out on a temporary basis, and a clutch of Coca-Cola League clubs are ready to step in.

Hartlepool, who visit Boundary Park on Saturday, weather permitting, have already approached Windass, according to the player’s website blog.

But it would appear Athletic have also thrown their hat into the ring, along with League One rivals Leeds United.

Manager John Sheridan tried to sign Windass on loan earlier in the season, and he would welcome a player of his experience and goal-scoring ability as his side seek promotion.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “John has been a long-time admirer of Windass and we would be interested in any player who would improve the squad.

“But I can’t confirm or deny that we have made an approach to Hull City.”

Athletic have already explained that to bolster the squad in the January transfer window Sheridan would have to offload players.

However, with the second month of Darren Byfield’s loan spell ending after this weekend’s match and with Chris O’Grady at Bradford City for a month, Athletic could well be in the hunt for a striker.

Windass, who scored the only goal of the game in Hull’s triumph over Bristol City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley last May, has endured a frustrating season.

He has made only six first-team appearances this term — four of them off the bench — and has been completely overlooked for the last two games.

Windass’ last involvement in the Premier League came in the 5-1 drubbing at Manchester City on Boxing Day, and he accepts his days at the KC Stadium are numbered.

He wrote on his blog: “It’s not true I’ve been released but (Hull) assistant manager Brian Horton called and told me the club were accepting offers to take me on loan.

“That tells you all you need to know about my future here.

“So far Hartlepool has come in for me and I’m waiting to see how things develop.”

“I’m going to talk over the move with my family over the next couple of days and take it from there.”

Latics goalkeeper Mark Crossley is recovering in hospital after surgery on damaged discs in his back.

The 39-year-old is expected to be on the sidelines for between eight and 10 weeks with a return pencilled in for March.

Defender John Thompson, who yesterday had the remaining six months of his Athletic contract paid up, has joined Notts County on a two-and-a-half year deal.