Latics open Lee talks

Kieran Lee: hot prospect

CONTRACT talks are being held with Athletic’s star right-back Kieran Lee in a bid to keep him at the club.

The former Manchester United trainee has enjoyed a stunning career resurrection since being brought into the first team on a regular basis following injuries last season.

After signing a new one-year deal before the start of the campaign, the Tameside-born, 22-year-old has continued to excel under new manager Paul Dickov.

And with clubs higher up the Football League sure to be keeping tabs on the attack-minded full-back, Lee — a player who looked to have no future at Boundary Park when made available for loan before the start of last season — is discussing a new long-term deal.

“We are talking to Kieran at the moment regarding a new deal,” said Dickov, who also confirmed that early discussions had also taken place with regard to the possibility of keeping hold of Sunderland duo Jean-Yves Mvoto and Oumare Tounkara beyond the terms of their season-long loans at Athletic.

“Kieran has been absolutely fantastic for us. Not many people realise it, but he actually took a pay cut to stay at the club this season.”

Scouts and managers flocked to Boundary Park for the recent home draw against Exeter City and Dickov admits he could have to fend off bids for his young stars once the transfer window reopens in January.

“It shows we are doing something right and if an offer comes in for a player, we may have to look at it,” Dickov said.

“But at the same time, with what we are building here we hope players will want to stay.”

Dickov’s message was echoed by Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.

He said: “The way things are going, we don’t want to lose any players.

“We are making a concerted effort to finish as high as we can and we have got a good, young side which is bound to attract interest from other clubs.

“Every player has his price. But our intention is to try to keep the squad together.”

Results elsewhere were favourable for Athletic in npower League One at the weekend.

Dickov’s men have slipped one place to seventh but are only four points behind Sheffield Wednesday in second with two matches in hand.