Latics fending off interest in Korey

KEY MAN: captain Korey Smith was a commanding presence in midfield last season.

LEE Johnson has spoken of his desire to keep hold of captain Korey Smith as long as possible.

Athletic has fielded plenty of enquiries about the midfield man, though there have so far been no firm bids. Smith’s contract expires next summer

“There has been a lot of interest in Korey,” the manager said. “But all clubs are in similar positions to us: everyone is jostling for position on players out of contract; why would you go spending money at this stage?

“There is no doubt there are interested parties. But the trick is to hold off that interest for as long as I possibly can.”