Interest in Latics players dries up

GOALKEEPER Greg Fleming is one of five Athletic players on the transfer list.

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THE TRAIL has gone cold for Athletic on their transfer-listed players.

Joe Jacobson, Jon Worthington, Rob Purdie, Kelvin Lomax and Greg Fleming have all been made available to rival clubs but despite an initial flickering of interest, no offers have yet come in.

Of those, only midfielder Worthington and full-back Lomax are currently operating at full fitness.

The window for long-term loans and permanent deals closes on Tuesday, August 31. A week later, emergency loans lasting a month at a time are permitted between clubs.

With 33 players currently possessing squad numbers — including himself — Athletic manager Paul Dickov will hope that deals can be struck sooner rather than later, in order to give him room for manoeuvre should he feel the need to strengthen in certain areas.

“There hasn’t been any interest yet,” confirmed Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy on the five men concerned.

One prospect who won’t be turning out for Athletic in the future is striker Iaia Embarlo.

The 14-year-old from Portugal, who attended the centre of excellence towards the end of last season after moving into the area, has joined Premier League giants Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £25,000.

Described as a well-developed player, Embarlo could yet net Athletic more cash should he go on to make first-team appearances at Anfield with a series of add-on clauses built into the deal.

Meanwhile, reserves boss Lee Duxbury has described his side’s hammering by Burnley this week as an “embarrassment”.

Only a strong performance by penalty-saving goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw prevented a heavier defeat on a night to forget at Stalybridge.

“As a coach and in terms of personal pride, it was embarrassing to lose 6-0,” Duxbury told the club website.

“Though they were a good team, we should still have done better and it hurts to have lost so heavily.”

Sean Gregan and Chris Taylor played the full game, while Deane Smalley and Joe Jacobson got 75 minutes each on their respective returns from injury.

Duxbury’s men have a chance to put things right when they take on Tranmere at Stalybridge next Tuesday (2pm kick-off).