8:40am Friday 3rd July 2009
PAUL Robinson’s protracted transfer from West Brom to Wanderers appeared closer to reaching a conclusion last night.
The Whites submitted a “final offer” of £750,000 for the experienced full-back earlier this week, threatening to turn their attention to other targets if the Baggies refused to do business. Having rejected an earlier offer of £500,000 for Robinson, Wanderers were told they would have to double their opening bid to bring the former England Under-21 international to the Reebok Stadium.
But West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace indicated for the first time last night that the club could be willing to part with the 30-year-old left-back for less than their initial £1million valuation, after the player held talks with new manager Roberto Di Matteo.
“We have been here before with Paul,” said Peace, referring to an earlier move to Wigan Athletic that was aborted late in negotiations two years ago. “He has expressed his desire in the press to play elsewhere in no uncertain terms.
“Robbie (Di Matteo) has already spoken to him. Nobody is going to leave here unless they go with terms acceptable to us.
“If, on balance, it is felt a player is better off being elsewhere, then we would look at that.”
After West Brom’s relegation last season, Robinson was quoted as saying he wanted to remain in the Premier League.
His plea alerted Gary Megson, who brought the tough-tackling defender to the Hawthorns six years ago from Watford.
It is also thought the Whites boss attempted to sign Robinson last summer, when negotiating the deal that took Abdoulaye Meite to the Midlands for £2million.
Chairman Phil Gartside is currently working through a checklist of top targets drawn up by Gary Megson — although that list is not thought to include Argentine striker Lucas Biglia, who has been linked with a move from Belgian club Anderlecht.
An improved bid for Swansea City midfielder Ferrie Bodde appears to be on the cards, with the Championship club demanding more cash up front than offered in a structured £2.5million bid made last Friday.
But assistant manager Chris Evans warned that despite an obvious need for new faces at the Reebok, Wanderers would not risk paying over the odds for any player.
“The chairman has in his possession a list of players,” he said. “We have declared a certain value that we think each one is worth and won’t dwell on any deal where we don’t think it is in the best interests of Bolton Wanderers,” he said. “Needless to say, we also have other options in each case.
“This is an important window for us in terms of our overall plan, and moving the club forward.
“Everyone is clear about that. We need to recruit players, and do so on our terms.
“We have out together a list of players we think will improve this club. When we have asked for support, Phil Gartside and Eddie Davies have given it to us.
“We asked for Sean Davis, we got him. Now we need to continue that momentum.”
l Wanderers fans have until tomorrow to renew their season ticket and claim their existing seat at the Reebok.
Details can be found on www.bwfcseasontickets.co.uk or by contacting the membership office on 0844 8712931.
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