Cash windfall potential for Latics

ATHLETIC could be on the verge of a massive cash boost amid renewed reports of an imminent £12million Tottenham bid for Micah Richards.

The Manchester City right-back, continually linked with a switch away from Eastlands since bursting on to the Premier League scene four years ago, could soon be deemed surplus to requirements under new boss Roberto Mancini as he bids to reshape his squad during the transfer window.

City have been linked with swoops for free agent Sol Campbell, West Ham and England star Matthew Upson and Borussia Dortmund’s Neven Subotic and the 21-year-old Richards — who was with Athletic’s centre of excellence between the ages of nine and 14 — would reportedly be sold if the offer is right.

The powerful Richards’ fortunes have been patchy of late and should Spurs boss Harry Redknapp seal a deal, it would prove highly profitable for Athletic.

The club has a 20-per-cent sell-on clause and a transfer fee of £12m would translate as £2.4m for the Boundary Park kitty.

Athletic manager Dave Penney would be keen to reinvest some of that cash in his playing squad, which was added to by two new faces on New Year’s Day.

Huddersfield Town midfielder Jim Goodwin arrived at Boundary Park on a month’s loan and started in the 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool alongside Dale Stephens in central midfield.

The 28-year-old, who has one Republic of Ireland cap, made his name at Stockport County and has since represented Scunthorpe United and the Galpharm outfit.

Centre-back Krisztian Timar has also come in for a month from Plymouth Argyle and made a competent debut in the game at Victoria Park.

A strong Hungary international who has four caps to his name, the 30-year-old Timar joined Argyle from Ferencvaros and was voted the club’s player of the season by supporters in the 2007-08 season.

Sean Gregan avoided picking up a one-match suspension even though he was shown his fifth yellow card of the campaign at Hartlepool.

This season, the FA have brought forward the five-card amnesty to December 31 and therefore Gregan is free to play in the home game against Leyton Orient at Boundary Park on Saturday.

The next cut-off point is Sunday, April 11 of this year and the Athletic captain will have to avoid accumulating five further bookings before that date, or else gain a two-match ban.

The same is true of Reuben Hazell, who returns against Orient having served his one-match suspension at Hartlepool.

Striker Nick Blackman has returned to Blackburn Rovers after his loan spell at Athletic expired.