LJ braced for player exit

ATHLETIC manager Lee Johnson is braced for a possible exit from his squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

As well as James Dayton, who yesterday tied up a loan move to St Mirren for the rest of the season, Johnson said the club has had firm interest in a player so far undisclosed.

The Athletic boss has watched as £1.6million worth of talent has departed the club in previous transfer windows: namely Jose Baxter, James Tarkowski, Korey Smith and Jonson Clarke-Harris.

He can’t give guarantees it won’t be the same this time, with cash-strapped Athletic again cashing in on a prized asset.

“I can’t say there is no chance anybody will be leaving,” said Johnson. “There is a possibility of one maybe going.”

Athletic’s manager feels the transfer window system is artificial and unnecessary.

“It gets panicky and crazy and there is no need for it to get that way,” Johnson added.

“I think it is even against European law, in terms of restriction of trade. You should be able to transfer all the way through the season, perhaps apart from the last little spell. It’s an issue as it over-inflates prices for some, while others sell too cheaply. Agents want more money to convince a player to go somewhere else.”

Dayton, out of contract with Athletic in the summer, could make his St Mirren debut in tonight’s Scottish Premiership clash with Partick if international clearance comes through in time.