Paul Jewell might have to wait until January to sign Steve Davies
TRANSFER LATEST: Time running out for Ipswich Town to sign Steve Davies
By Dave Gooderham
Friday, August 3, 2012
9:44 AM
DERBY County boss Nigel Clough has warned Paul Jewell he is running out of patience over the Steve Davies saga.
The Rams boss has deliberately dropped last season’s top scorer for four consecutive friendlies, including tonight’s match at Colchester United, after expecting Davies to leave Pride Park.
Town are the favourites for the striker’s signature but with both managers still squabbling over the transfer fee, Davies could be back in a Derby shirt within days.
Clough revealed to the Derby Telegraph: “Nobody has really met our valuation.
“There will come a point where we will have to draw a line under it and he will be involved with us until at least January but we haven’t reached that point yet.
“If nothing has happened by early next week, we could see him play at Belper on Tuesday.
“We have to recognise the fact he might well be here until January, so we have to start getting him some games with a view to him being involved.
“He has been doing all the physical work and the running but he does have to start getting some match fitness.
“He is still a good player and you have to remember, as well, we offered him a three-year contract a couple of months ago.
Clough added: “Steven not being with us is not a punishment because he turned the offer down or because he has asked to leave. We respect Steven’s decision but it has not been worth the risk to play him in the friendlies so far.
“The transfer window is open for another four weeks, so there is still plenty of time for something to happen.”
Clough appears to be giving Jewell an ultimatum over the 24-year-old and it might be that the Blues boss moves onto other targets before going back in for Davies in January, when a smaller fee would surely secure his services.
But with Ipswich starting their Championship season in just over two weeks time, the search for a bigger forward remains a top priority.
* What positions does Jewell still need to strengthen? Read Dave Gooderham thoughts at www.greenun24.co.uk/blogs
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7 comments
Defence seems to be our main problem. Pre-season games have been a disaster and were opening up with Blackburn, Maybe good to catch them early on and get something out of the game. As for Steve Davies, if were going to buy him then buy him or move on, why are we playing cheapskate again?.
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bismark
Friday, August 3, 2012
Stop being sooo tight pay them want they want or near to what they want and sign a decent player sort it out and quickly
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Jay ITFC Godbold
Friday, August 3, 2012
Come on Mr Mystery oops silly me we all know what you look like now, im sure if the two clubs were to meet somewhere in the middle a deal could be done.
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max ward
Friday, August 3, 2012
not playing him in case he gets injured must tell you something,walk away.
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david peters
Friday, August 3, 2012
No point in getting drawn on this. I'm sure Mr. Clough is as shrewd as his father and is trying a fast one. A player who has been injured so much as Davies is definitely not worth 1 million. As Iv'e said before I don't believe we are in need of this type of player, but PJ obviously feels we are. He's the Manager, at least for now.
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whymarkmariner
Friday, August 3, 2012
Dave, where did this story come from. It is not in Cloughs hands the player wants to leave, and they will make a deal at anytime rather than lose him for nothing at the end of his contract.
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Cyril Baker
Friday, August 3, 2012
Shoring up the defence must be the priority. Last season, we were scoring goals but conceding more each game.In the first instance, is it not better to draw 0-0 than lose 5-4 ? Whilst it may not be the best game to watch,at least a draw is a point to start the season off.
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The original Victor Meldrew
Friday, August 3, 2012