Dickov hopeful over Mvoto

PAUL Dickov is still hoping to persuade Jean-Yves Mvoto that his future should lie at Boundary Park.


The importance of the Athletic manager netting his primary centre-back target has been amplified by the departure of former captain Reuben Hazell, who failed to meet a signing deadline imposed on a 12-month contract offer.



Dickov admits that there is stiff competition in the race to bag the quick, strong and physically imposing former Sunderland centre-back.



But he remains optimistic the Parisian will stay and add to his 27 Athletic appearances, accrued in two loan spells either side of an ankle injury.



“Talks are still progressing over Jean,” he said. “He is away at the moment, though I have been talking with his agent.



“Other clubs are involved, but we have made a good offer.”



Dickov also admitted it was with regret that he parted with Hazell.



“I am disappointed because he was excellent for me as a captain,” he said.



“We made him an offer and it came to a point where we felt he had to make a decision.



“We can’t have players dictating to us — but that is no sleight on Reuben, as he is entitled to try to get the best deal that he can.”



Djeny Bembo has had a minor operation on the ankle he injured last season.



The 19-year-old forward’s badly damaged ankle has not fully healed following the original surgery and he has had a screw removed from the affected area.



Elsewhere in League One, Barnsley manager Keith Hill has raided former club Rochdale for duo Scott Wiseman and Matty Done, while Dale in return have made Millwall striker Ashley Grimes their first capture for new boss Steve Eyre.



MK Dons have snapped up Yeovil man Dean Bowditch on a free transfer after the 15-goal striker rejected a new contract.