Nottingham Forest table £1.5m bid for Cardiff midfielder Whittingham
NOTTINGHAM Forest have stepped up their efforts to sign Peter Whittingham, after tabling a written offer of £1.5m for the Cardiff midfielder.
Cardiff are thought to value the player at closer to £2m, but with the Welsh club desperate to raise funds to address their crippling financial problems, the Reds' bid – confirmed by sources in Wales -–may at least start the ball rolling.
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Peter Whittingham
Dave Jones' side have nine players – including Whittingham, as well as Jay Bothroyd and Stephen McPhail – who are out of contract next summer and, under the terms of their transfer embargo, they are not allowed to offer them improved deals.
Burnley have already had an approach turned down, but they are not thought to have made an official offer – while Cardiff have subsequently seen prize asset Joe Ledley move north of the border to Celtic on a free-transfer, rather than accepting a move to Premier Division Stoke that could have netted them £4m.
Forest, who last night lost 2-0 at Tranmere and triumphed 2-1 at Mansfield Town, saw their own squad reduced in number again after striker Joe Garner was allowed to join League One Huddersfield on loan until January.
James Perch had previously been sold to newly-promoted Newcastle United, leaving Forest's already thin squad lacking depth.
Manager Billy Davies struggled to name two sides at Field Mill and Prenton Park, with Luke Chambers, Wes Morgan, Kelvin Wilson and David McGoldrick all injured.
But, with contact also believed to have been made with Swansea City this week with regard to midfielder Darren Pratley, Forest's first signing of the summer could be on the horizon.
First team coach Julian Darby was upbeat about the Reds' display at Tranmere.
"It was important to get 90 minutes into the lads' legs and to give a few of the young lads a chance," he said.
"This was always about fitness. It was the first time many of them have played a full 90 minutes since last season."
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by Unmoaner, Moan City
Friday, July 23 2010, 12:53PM
“alex... ND said in an interview that, after the meeting him and BD had after the season finished, that he gave BD more control over the signing of players. BD has 100% control over players coming and going, but doesn't sign the cheques. BD was put at the head of the AP to co-Lead with MA.
Ultimately yes, ND is in charge, but he has an AP in place because he doesn't do anything in regards of getting players here. He'll say something like "here's 6mil, spend it wisely", BD will get his list of players, MA will talk to their finance people, etc. But if players haven't been talked to yet, then it's down to BD”
by Dan Willatt, Devon
Thursday, July 22 2010, 10:55PM
“http://www.footballshirtculture.com/10/11-kits/nottingham-forest-2010-2011-home-shirt-leaked.html”
by Johno1865, Bridgford
Thursday, July 22 2010, 10:46PM
“This is embargoed untill 8.00 tomorrow.
Good reading though.
Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of former Aston Villa midfielder Peter Whittingham on a four-year contract. For an undisclosed fee.
Skysports.com reported on Wednesday that the promising 25-year-old was close to agreeing a switch to the City Ground.
He has now put the finishing touches to the move, becoming the Red¿s first summer signing.
The former England Under-21 International ace is delighted to have agreed terms with such a prestigious club and admits he cannot wait to get his career in the East Midlands up and running.
Whittingham told the Forest official website: a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done I just can't wait to get started.
"I've played at the City Ground before and know all about the amazing atmosphere. Playing there in a Red and white shirt is something I have thought about already and it will be a great day when I finally get to walk out in front of 30,000 people.
"The gaffer Billy Davies and all of the lads have been great with me and made me feel really welcome since I arrived and hopefully I can repay the faith that they've shown in me."
Davies added: "We're delighted to have signed Peter. He's the right age and the profile that he has is what makes it such an appealing capture for us. He has everything, pace, skill and is also able to fill in at left back. We are delighted¿”
by carry on wasting, your sad little time Mike
Thursday, July 22 2010, 8:44PM
“I love reading Mike's posts - he's obviously jobless and lonely but it also makes me smile that he gets under so many collars. We're daft enough to bite too - shame on us. Glad to see the jealous banter is coming from the weaker side of the Trent as always - let's face it the red side will always be stronger. Until maybe we move to a wonder ground, then at least the pies won't literally be in our shadow any more! Ha ha ha”
by mandy74, southwell
Thursday, July 22 2010, 8:42PM
“I see some mardy county fan has had my earlier comment removed .Typical they dish it out but cant take it back.
Anyway unmoaner and peter i know you were both sticking up for me and oh by the way i do go to every match, ive only missed 1 home game in 14 seasons contrary to mikes accusations !!”