Petrov on verge of Wanderers exit
12:10am Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport By Marc Iles
MARTIN Petrov was last night on the verge of leaving Wanderers to sign for Espanyol.
News of the Bulgarian winger’s exit after two-and-a-half years at the Reebok broke yesterday evening as the 34-year-old flew to Spain for final talks and a medical.
Petrov – one of the club’s highest earners – had signed a one-year extension to his contract in the summer but had found it difficult to cement a place in Dougie Freedman’s first team.
The former Manchester City man had made just five starts in the Championship this season but played 90 minutes against Sunderland in the FA Cup third round last weekend.
The club have declined to comment on the deal but it is understood there will be no transfer fee.
Petrov was signed on a free transfer by Owen Coyle in the summer of 2010 after his release from the City of Manchester Stadium.
His direct style made him a popular figure on the terraces and his lack of chances in the last 12 months under both Coyle and Freedman had become a source of frustration on the terraces.
But behind the scenes, there had been some concern over the veteran’s long-term fitness, and his ability to fit into the system and brand of football that Freedman was looking to employ.
His exit could also free up funds for more incoming transfers, with 20 days left in the January window.
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