Latics play waiting game

WANTED MAN . . . Athletic boss Paul Dickov is keen to bring in Jean-Yves Mvoto on a permanent deal.

Boss hoping for Mvoto deal

ATHLETIC are waiting to hear from at least six players — including Jean-Yves Mvoto.

The big centre-back is Paul Dickov’s number one signing priority.

Despite the financial constraints he is working with in terms of the reduced playing budget for next season, the Athletic manager remains hopeful free agent Mvoto will commit to the club he turned out for with increasing dominance this season.

In a traditionally quiet section of the off-season, Dickov is yet to hear responses from Reuben Hazell, Paul Black, Cedric Evina, Filipe Morais and Deane Smalley to their renewed contract offers.

Likely targets over and above those renewals include a midfielder to come in for Ritchie Jones and a goalkeeping replacement for Dean Brill.

“We are trying to get things in progress, but at the same time, we don’t want to rush in,” said Dickov.

“Those who have had offers, including Jean, have got a couple of weeks to get back to us with their answers.”

Dickov revealed that he found it difficult to break the news to those players who were handed free transfers, explaining that all the decisions weren't solely based on playing ability.

“It is the first time I have had to do it,’ he added. “As a manager, I like to think I have a good relationship with my players.

“Many different things come into the equation when it comes to offering new contracts and you have to go through all the different factors before deciding the way things should be done.

“We are aiming for a smaller squad for next season with more quality and sometimes you have to let people go to achieve that.”