Windass future in balance

ATHLETIC are exploring ways to release Dean Windass after his loan spell from Premier League outfit Hull City turned soured.

He was left out of the squad at Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday, heightening speculation about the veteran striker’s future.

Windass (39) appeared in nine consecutive games after his arrival, but has found himself out in the cold recently and has threatened to quit Boundary Park.

He also didn’t feature at Millwall and was on the bench against Leeds and Colchester.

Windass was holding talks regarding his future with officials in Hull today.

He still remains an Athletic player and technically cannot leave until the end of the season.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We are trying to reach an agreement with all three parties (Athletic, Hull and Windass).

“Under the terms of the loan, he is not allowed to play first-team football for Hull again this season.

“There may be an opportunity to play reserve-team football for Hull, however, and that is something we are exploring.”

Seb Hines and Jan Budtz returned to Middlesbrough and Hartlepool respectively today after they completed one-month loan deals.

Defender Hines and goalkeeper Budtz were both in Saturday’s starting line up at Milton Keynes Dons.

The departures allow new manager Joe Royle scope to bring in players before the transfer deadline on Thursday week.