Post by leicesterlass on Aug 31, 2006 14:14:20 GMT -1
Leicester City are resisting a strong approach from Sunderland for young prospect Richard Stearman.
The Wearsiders have, I understand, had a sizeable offer for the England Under-19 international turned down yesterday.
And even if City's Championship rivals increase their bid before this evening's transfer deadline, they are still likely to fail.
This is great news for City boss Robert Kelly, who has been concerned that he could be forced to sell some of his best young players to ease the club's financial worries.
The significance is that the board seem prepared to back Kelly's team plans after the City boss said recently that his young squad represents the future of the club.
Sunderland, now under the charge of Roy Keane, had earlier been involved in a bid for another City defender, Alan Maybury, but that came to nothing.
The move for Stearman, City's Young Player of the Year for last two seasons, is thought to be linked to Keane appointing Tony Loughlan as his head coach.
Loughlan was one of the coaches in the City academy system through which Stearman rose to a fully fledged member of the first-team squad.
Stearman, 19, was the subject of summer speculation about a move to the Premiership so the approach from Sunderland comes as a surprise.
He made his City debut in October 2004 against Cardiff, scoring his first goal at the end of that season at home to Millwall.
While City declined to comment on Stearman, they also fear that strike pair Iain Hume and Matty Fryatt will be targets from other clubs.
So Kelly faces an anxious day, hoping the principle applied to Stearman will be repeated.
City have already cleared the decks, as those Kelly rated surplus to requirements - Patrik Gerrbrand, Joe Hamill and Mark de Vries - have left the club.
Winger Momo Sylla initially came into that category but is now considered a full member of this season's squad.
For City's part, there are no plans to make any signings today because Kelly has no funds available.
The two-week break for the international matches means City have some breathing space before their return to action at West Bromwich Albion a week on Saturday, and if City go into that match with their squad intact, Kelly will be delighted.
How many of our right backs do they want? Fuck off!
The Wearsiders have, I understand, had a sizeable offer for the England Under-19 international turned down yesterday.
And even if City's Championship rivals increase their bid before this evening's transfer deadline, they are still likely to fail.
This is great news for City boss Robert Kelly, who has been concerned that he could be forced to sell some of his best young players to ease the club's financial worries.
The significance is that the board seem prepared to back Kelly's team plans after the City boss said recently that his young squad represents the future of the club.
Sunderland, now under the charge of Roy Keane, had earlier been involved in a bid for another City defender, Alan Maybury, but that came to nothing.
The move for Stearman, City's Young Player of the Year for last two seasons, is thought to be linked to Keane appointing Tony Loughlan as his head coach.
Loughlan was one of the coaches in the City academy system through which Stearman rose to a fully fledged member of the first-team squad.
Stearman, 19, was the subject of summer speculation about a move to the Premiership so the approach from Sunderland comes as a surprise.
He made his City debut in October 2004 against Cardiff, scoring his first goal at the end of that season at home to Millwall.
While City declined to comment on Stearman, they also fear that strike pair Iain Hume and Matty Fryatt will be targets from other clubs.
So Kelly faces an anxious day, hoping the principle applied to Stearman will be repeated.
City have already cleared the decks, as those Kelly rated surplus to requirements - Patrik Gerrbrand, Joe Hamill and Mark de Vries - have left the club.
Winger Momo Sylla initially came into that category but is now considered a full member of this season's squad.
For City's part, there are no plans to make any signings today because Kelly has no funds available.
The two-week break for the international matches means City have some breathing space before their return to action at West Bromwich Albion a week on Saturday, and if City go into that match with their squad intact, Kelly will be delighted.
How many of our right backs do they want? Fuck off!
