Weso 70-30 to go, says Johnson

LOOKING ELSEWHERE:Athletic midfield dynamo James Wesolowski is considering a move from Boundary Park.

ATHLETIC are starting to plan for life after James Wesolowski, since all the signs are pointing to the reigning player of the season leaving Boundary Park.

According to Australian reports, Perth Glory are interested in the 26-year-old midfielder, who has been a vital presence in manager Lee Johnson’s Athletic side this season.

Athletic have made Wesolowski an offer but not more than they think is fair — and affordable.

The stalemate means attention is slowly turning elsewhere for an alternative partner to accompany captain Korey Smith.

“We are probably looking at Weso not signing now,” Johnson said. “It isn’t definite, but his agent is playing hardball and we are set where we are.

“I don’t hold out too much hope. It isn’t definite he won’t be staying, but the chances were 50-50 and have drifted to 70-30.”

A return to Australia with Perth Glory is a serious option for Wesolowski. The A-League club are also said to be interested in ex-Athletic favourite Neil Kilkenny, currently with Preston.

The former Leicester trainee was born in Sydney and played his domestic football with Northern Spirit before moving to England when he was 15.

Johnson confirmed he hasn’t set any deadlines at this stage for final answers on contracts from Wesolowski nor the other men who the club are waiting on answers from, Paul Rachubka and Connor Brown.

Defender Adam Lockwood also has an offer in place, which kicked in after his 13th start this season, and he is expected to sign.