Latics linked with Llera bid

Mark Allott: Agreed a two-year deal with Tranmere Rovers.

ATHLETIC are being linked with a move for Milton Keynes Dons central defender Miguel Angel Llera.

The Spaniard, who is 6ft 4in, could be the dominant centre-back that new manager Dave Penney is looking for.

Llera joined MK Dons last summer from Spanish second division side Hercules CF on a one-year contract so becomes a free agent at the end of this month.

MK Dons are currently in negotiations with Llera about a new deal but, should that not materialise, Athletic could be ready to step in.

Llera has spent most of his career in the Spanish lower divisions, though he helped Gimnastic win promotion to La Liga where he made 12 appearances in the top flight, scoring twice.

Athletic are understood to be close to completing the transfer of at least one further player. Assistant manager Martin Gray has revealed that he expects activity later this week.

Penney has so far completed the signings of utility player Rob Purdie from Darlington and Huddersfield Town midfield player Jon Worthington.

Mark Allott, who recently quit Athletic, has joined Coca-Cola League One rivals Tranmere Rovers.

Former Athletic manager Ronnie Moore has handed midfield man Allott the two-year deal he had sought.

The move of Allott completes a transfer merry-go-round involving Athletic, Tranmere and Huddersfield.

Tranmere midfield man Anthony Kay joined Huddersfield, who lost Worthington to Athletic, with Allott completing the link after his move to Prenton Park.

Athletic’s players were today continuing their extra week of pre-season training as they get an early chance to work with the new management team.

Kelvin Lomax, Kieran Lee, Danny Whittaker, Greg Fleming and Josh Ollerenshaw, who are all away on holiday, reported in last week to do their extra stint.




BLACKBURN have signed midfielder Elrio van Heerden from Club Brugge on a free transfer.

The 25–year–old South Africa international has secured a two–year–deal at Ewood Park.

Manager Sam Allardyce was looking to boost his midfield options with Aaron Mokoena joining Portsmouth and Tugay retiring.

Van Heerden has experience in European football, starting his career at FC Copenhagen in 2002. He moved to Brugge four years later.

Capped 25 times, he is currently with the South Africa squad preparing for the Confederations Cup.