Latics target hitman Cody

Cody McDonald. Picture by KENT MESSENGER GROUP

ATHLETIC have made an offer for striker Cody McDonald . . . but face stiff competition for the Norwich City man’s signature.

The 25-year-old was a big hit for Gillingham in npower League Two last season, hitting 25 goals in 41 appearances while on loan at Priestfield to sweep the board at the club’s presentation evening.

McDonald has since ruled out a return to the Gills next term and though he remains under contract at Norwich until the summer of 2012, Athletic manager Paul Dickov has made his intentions known.

Athletic would not have the cash to facilitate a permanent deal without selling first — a six-figure sum would be involved — but another loan offering at the higher level of League One could be attractive to the Premier League new boys.

At the same time, though, a host of Athletic’s rivals would also certainly be interested in such an arrangement for a player who has a ratio better than a goal every two matches in his overall career, having plundered 92 in 166 career games.

PROLIFIC
Chelmsford-born McDonald started out in non-league circles with Witham Town, moving on to Dartford where his prolific form caught the eye of Football League scouts.

After a successful trial period at Carrow Road, a permanent contract was offered in January of 2009. In total, McDonald has managed four goals in 25 appearances for the Canaries and it is unlikely he will be given a chance to improve that tally in the top flight.

As well as another front man to rival the likes of Reuben Reid, Warren Feeney, Ryan Brooke and new boy Matt Smith, currently holidaying Dickov is on the hunt for at least one new goalkeeper.

Names mentioned in connection with the vacancy left by Dean Brill’s departure include former Stockport and Rochdale stopper Owain Fon Williams, Iain Turner, a compatriot of Dickov’s who was released by Everton, and Richard Wright, the veteran former England international recently let go by Sheffield United.