Unsettled
players Paul Williams and Noel Whelan were linked to other clubs today
but Coventry City’s manager Gordon Strachan has quashed the rumour
and speculation.
It was reported that Everton were waiting in the wings to snatch
Williams when his contract expires in the summer, while West Ham
United were said to be keen on transfer-listed Whelan.
But Strachan said that he had not had any contact with either club.
Williams has rejected Coventry’s final offer of a new deal and he
will be able to walk away on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling
when his contract expires in June.
Everton are said to be looking for a centreback to link up with the
Scottish veteran Richard Gough whose current partner Dave Watson is to
retire at the end of the season.
Williams hails from Staffordshire and would not be averse to moving
to Merseyside, but his agents will be advising him to sit back and
wait for any offers to come in. Under the Bosman Ruling out of
contract players can pocket huge signing-on fees, because their new
clubs do not have to pay the usual transfer fees.
Coventry are actively trying to unload Whelan now that he too has
rejected their offer. His case differs from Williams’ because he has
fifteen months to run. But having told the club he has no intention of
re-signing they have to sell him to recoup some money, before he too
walks away on a free.
Meanwhile Portsmouth are rumoured to want to take back John Aloisi,
but the speculation was not taken too seriously by Coventry City,
because the Australian striker has been out injured for five months
and this week suffered a setback which will delay his return.
