Latics deny Vaughan link
Reporter: by TONY BUGBY
Date published: 22 June 2009

JAMES Vaughan has been playing in Australia. Latics latest
MANAGER Dave Penney has dismissed a story linking Athletic with defender James Vaughan.
Australian outfit Wollongong reported on their website that Athletic are to sign their right-back as speculation mounts about the future of sought-after Neal Eardley.
Wollongong say Vaughan, who joined them last month after being released by Chester City, has agreed a one-year deal with the Boundary Park club.
They stated that the 22-year-old, who also had trials with Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners during his short stay in Australia, has returned to England to complete the transfer.
That came as a surprise to Penney, who claimed to have never heard of Wollongong.
He declared: “Why would I want to sign a right back?
“We have Neal Eardley and Kelvin Lomax and are more than covered in that position.”
Vaughan kicked off his career at Liverpool as a junior, but failed to make the breakthrough at Anfield. He eventually moved to Chester, who are owned by his father, Stephen.
But after Chester lost their Football League status Vaughan, who made 44 first-team appearances last season, was released to reduce the wage bill.
Eardley has previously been linked with a number of big-money moves, and is reported to be on the radar of Huddersfield Town, who are thought to be prepared to pay £500,000 for his services.
Chief-executive Alan Hardy said: “It would not surprise me if Huddersfield and other clubs are interested in Neal.
“He is a full international and, as he is still only 20 years of age, has plenty of time to develop.”
Penney has also denied reports linking them with Italian striker Benito Carbone, the 37-year-old who has played in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Bradford City, Derby, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, midfielder Kevin Maher, who was released by Athletic as part of their end-of-season clear-out, is set to sign for Coca-Cola League One rivals Gillingham.
Maher was linked with the Gills last summer after being released by Southend. He even trained with them pre-season before opting to join Athletic on a one-year deal.
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