Latics defiant over Stephens

ATHLETIC have confirmed they have turned down bids for star midfielder Dale Stephens.

The club's valuation of the 22-year-old has not yet been met, meaning he could — as was the case with Chris Taylor's non-switch to Scunthorpe late last season — remain at Boundary Park if sufficient cash is not forthcoming.

"There are a number of clubs showing interest," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy. "We have had some offers."

Premier League duo Everton and Bolton and Championship side Leeds United have each been linked with a swoop for Athletic's vice-captain, who netted 10 goals from midfield last season before departing for a loan spell with Southampton.

However, the south coast club, whom Stephens helped to promotion, are NOT believed to be in the race to sign him at this stage.

Athletic manager Paul Dickov has already stated his determination that the club will not be taken for a ride when it comes to the money involved in any player transfer out of Boundary Park.

In the case of Stephens, his former club Bury are entitled to 20-per-cent of the fee Athletic pick up.

Dickov would be more than pleased to have the cultured ball-player — a prime candidate for the captaincy now that Reuben Hazell has left — on board by the time the opening npower League One home game against Sheffield United comes around, stating his belief that he could be a key cog in one of the finest midfield quartets around at this level.

Said Dickov: "I spoke to Dale before he went away on holiday recently. He is a good player and there will always be interest in good players, but we want him here.

"If you look at Dale and put him with Filipe Morais, Chris Taylor and Dean Furman then that is as good a midfield four as you will find in the division."

With Stephens apparently off their radar, Southampton have reportedly had a £750,000 offer for Chelsea's England under-21 midfielder Jack Cork accepted, while there is also interest in Championship duo Neil Danns and Brian Howard of Crystal Palace and Reading respectively.

Heading the other way is midfielder Oscar Gobern, who is expected to tie up a move to Huddersfield Town.




THE ROCHDALE Road End will be an away fans-only zone for Athletic's first three npower League One matches against Sheffield United, Rochdale and Huddersfield.



Athletic’s decision was made on safety grounds and following police advice.

It means season tickets holders who usually sit there will need to relocate either to the main stand or to the Chadderton Road End.