Latics net closes in on ’keeper

BEN AMOS . . . enjoyed a loan spell at Boundary Park last season.

PAUL Dickov is on the verge of landing a new goalkeeper.


With pre-season training starting next week, Athletic are currently without a number one between the posts — a situation the manager expects to amend, with Ben Amos strongly linked with a move on a season-long loan from Manchester United.



“Talks are progressing and hopefully we will have one in by the end of the week, or if not then early next week before we start training,” Dickov said.



The Athletic boss wouldn’t be drawn on the identity of his targeted stopper.



But aside from Amos, others who could be brought in include unattached ex-Everton ’keeper Iain Turner, who played 14 times for Preston on loan in the Championship in 2010-11, and Conrad Logan, a player Dickov and assistant Gerry Taggart know well from their Leicester City days and one who impressed against Athletic while on loan at Bristol Rovers in February.



Former England ’keeper Richard Wright, now 33 and released by his last club Sheffield United, is another possibility.



One player who will be signing for next season is Paul Black.



The 21-year-old left-back is currently away on holiday, but has confirmed his intention to stick with the club to give the manager a defensive tonic following the loss of his captain Reuben Hazell.



“Paul is away at the moment,” said Dickov, of an improving player who made 32 appearances last term, his first full campaign as a first-team regular.



“But we spoke over the weekend and he told me he wants to stay, which is good news.”





    



ATHLETIC’S Carling Cup first-round home tie against Carlisle will be played out on Tuesday, August 9 (7.45pm kick-off).







The game has been categorised as Category ‘B’, with adult prices starting at £17 and concessions from £9.