Front man deal a way off, says Johnson

SYLVAN Ebanks-Blake has yet to accept Athletic’s offer to train with the club.

Rumours circulated yesterday that the ex-Wolves striker was about to sign a deal at SportsDirect.com Park. But manager Lee Johnson emphasised that any deal is a long way away.

“There is absolutely no news; the rumours are false,” Athletic's manager said. “Nothing is imminent. We put an offer out to him via George Elokobi - his friend - to come and train with us if he was fed up training with the Wolves under-21s squad. As yet he hasn’t taken that up.

“He may think he wouldn’t be interested in a League One move. Sometimes players who have been in the Championship for a long time are very reluctant to drop down.”