Latics set to swoop

Reporter: Simon Smedley
Date published: 08 May 2013


LEE Johnson is closing in fast on two transfer targets.

The Athletic boss is currently working hard behind the scenes to get deals done, and up to six other

players are also on the Boundary Park shopping list.

Johnson said: "We’re making good progress with a couple of players this week. A few bits and pieces have still got to happen, but I’d say we are 80 per cent down the road now.

“One of the players isn’t proven at this level, but I can see lots of potential. The other is slightly more proven.

“There is interest in them both from elsewhere, and while I don’t really want to go into too much more detail, we’re hopeful.

“After that, there’s another five or six players we’re looking at, though they are further behind in terms of potential progress.

“I feel a little bit like we’re spinning plates at the moment, but hopefully it will be worth it.”

While there is plenty of available talent in the market this summer, Johnson has been encouraged by the number of players who have expressed a desire to join his Athletic revolution.

The manager added: “I think it’s really positive that players have said they want to join me and this club. Some have got other options, but there is desire to come here and that has to be a good thing.

“Some of these lads are good players, so we have to take into account their wage demands.

“We’re not going to kill ourselves in that respect, while there’s also the risk of potential injuries with some of these players. It’s a fine line, and it has to be about getting the right value.”