TOP-FLIGHT TARGET

TOM EAVES continues to attract attention from Premier League clubs — but Athletic are keeping tight-lipped on the striker’s future.

Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers are the latest clubs linked with a move for the teenager, who only two months ago signed a five-year deal with Athletic.

Yet to score a goal for the first team, Eaves’ stellar performances in youth football have caught the attention of some of the country’s top clubs.

While Athletic are maintaining a steadfast “no comment” on the situation, they are understood to have already turned down two bids for the Liverpool-born 18-year-old from top-flight new boys Blackpool, the latter totalling around £200,000 comprising several staged payments.

But bids over and above this amount would be sure to give cash-strapped Athletic food for thought, particularly with manager Paul Dickov being on the look-out for new players.

Following the disappointing 3-0 reverse to a youthful Liverpool side in the Lancashire Senior Cup final (see Page 35), the manager admitted there are too many quiet players in his team as he steps up his summer signings search.

Dickov bawled at several of his players in a frustrating second half in Leyland and it seems departures are just as likely as arrivals at Boundary Park before the npower League One campaign gets under way at Tranmere on Saturday, August 7.

Dickov said: “We are currently a very quiet team, which is something I am trying to address.

“We want leaders all over the pitch. It’s not just about getting the right sort of player in to fill a position, it’s about finding the right character as well.

“We are looking at players and assessing our own. The situation can change every day and certainly after every game.”

Dickov also admitted to being left frustrated in some of his efforts in the transfer market.

“There have been so many occasions recently where we have come so close and then for whatever reason it hasn’t happened,” he added. “But we will keep looking.”

Kirk Millar limped off the field late in the first half with a calf strain and has since withdrawn from the Northern Ireland under-19s squad who take on Mexico and China in the Milk Cup this week.

Jon Worthington pulled out of the Liverpool game with a groin strain sustained in training on Friday.

o ATHLETIC are urging fans planning to travel to Tranmere on Saturday week, to purchase tickets in advance.

A large following is expected at Prenton Park and the advice to fans is to make sure they are not left disappointed by buying tickets priced at £18.50 (adults), £6 (under-16s), £10.50 (over-60s) and £10.50 (17-22 year-olds) from the Boundary Park ticket office.

Coach tickets at £15 each are also available from the ‘We Are Latics’ club shop.