No Taylor bids, insist Athletic

CHRIS TAYLOR: Reportedly interesting Wolves.

ATHLETIC have reacted with surprise to suggestions that Wolves are lining up a £1million bid for winger Chris Taylor.

“It’s news to me. We haven’t had an offer for Chris or any other player,” explained chief executive Alan Hardy.

The speculation about the future of 22-year-old Taylor intensified when Wolves manager Mick McCarthy and his No 2 Terry Connor attended Monday’s match against Hartlepool.

The fact it was only 24 hours before Wolves’ important FA Cup tie at Birmingham City also fuelled speculation they were making a personal check on Taylor.

It is no secret Wolves are in the market for a wide player as cover for Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly. As Taylor can operate on either flank, that gives him an added advantage over other targets, while he also fits the age profile for potential signings.

Jarvis missed 11 games earlier in the season with a hamstring strain and McCarthy captured Carlos Edwards from Sunderland as a replacement on a three-month loan.

Sunderland recalled Edwards early and McCarthy has since received a knockback from the Black Cats in his bid to take the player back to Molineux for a second spell.

Athletic reserves crashed out of the Lancashire Senior Cup yesterday after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers.

Jamie Clarke and Nick Blackman gave Rovers a two-goal lead midway through the opening period, with Aaron Doran later adding a third with a penalty.

Athletic gave four of their squad players much needed match practice - strikers Craig Davies and Lewis Alessandra, midfield man Kieran Lee and defender Stefan Stam all having workouts.

Athletic also ran the rule over two trialists, a goalkeeper and left- back.

They will be extending the trial of the keeper but won’t be pursuing their interest in the defender.

Athletic fans travelling to Hereford on Saturday will have no problems gaining access at Edgar Street as they have been allocated 1.000 terrace places and 400 seats.

The terrace prices are £13 (adults), £9 (over-65s, under-16s) and £3 ( under-10s). Seats are £15 (adults), £12 (over-6s, under-16s), £3 (under-10s).