Transfer Latest

Last updated : 16 December 2003 By Paul Farrington
Stuart Downing

This one is not happening. The Latics had a bid of £500,000 rejected by Boro just last week, and the North-East club has now set about contract talks with the 19 year old winger.

"Our bid was turned down and that is as far as it has gone. I have my value of the player, but you never know, things might change. He was back in their squad on Saturday so I wouldn't think they will want to sell him at the moment." commented Jewell.

Geoff Horsfield

Horsfield
West Brom have had a bid of at least £1,000,000 accepted by Wigan and the player is likely to sign for the Baggies in the near future.

Jewell said: "I don't want to lose Geoff but he is aware of West Brom's interest.

"He lives in Birmingham and I think it is going to be difficult for us to keep him here if I'm being perfectly honest.

"I've had a long chat with him and told him we don't want to sell him, but at the end of the day, the player has to be 100 per cent focused on us.

"I could say 'no' to the deal but then I might have an unhappy player and that's not a good situation to have.

"West Brom are top of the league, are playing in front of 30,000 crowds and look like they are going straight back up.

"So it would be difficult for me, as hard as I try, to keep hold of Geoff.

"I know the supporters will find it difficult to face, but unfortunately things like this do happen in football.

"There is still a lot to go through but we have accepted West Brom's offer.

"I'm desperately disappointed, as we all are, and while I understand where the player is coming from, it isn't ideal."

Darren Huckerby

Huckerby
Paul Jewell has not been shy in expressing his interest for Manchester City's Darren Huckerby. Now is the time to put Whelan's money where his mouth is.

Both Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion have had bids of £750,000 accepted today, with the Latics having not made an official bid.

This comes with news that Norwich have just signed former Latics target, Leon McKenzie from Peterborough, for a fee believed to be around £750,000 and WBA having made their bid for Horsfield.

Jewell said: "Whatever we get for Geoff will certainly be used to try and strengthen the squad, and we want to bring at least two or three players in.

"I made two bids on Sunday and I just wish these managers would switch on their phones!

"Darren Huckerby has been spoken about a lot. His wages are obviously a concern and I don't think too many clubs can afford his transfer fee and wages. We'll have to wait and see on that."

Meanwhile City manager Kevin Keegan has said: "I know Darren enjoyed it at Norwich and was a fans' favourite. That's great for him and should do a lot for his confidence. He is bubbly and trains properly, so there are no problems there."

However, Jewell has said that he has made two significant bids for star strikers and he is awaiting news on them.

Again, watch this space!