Pulling Power

ATHLETIC have enquired about Tranmere star Max Power, as Darren Kelly continues to try to boost his squad’s attacking potential.

The Chronicle understands that Rovers, who have been relegated to the Conference, were contacted this week by Athletic about 21-year-old Power, a midfielder with an eye for goal who is out of contract in the summer.

Whether a deal can be struck remains to be seen, though.

Wigan — a club plotting a return to the Championship — are also reported to have lodged their interest in a player who scored 13 times as Tranmere dipped out of the Football League.

A compensation fee would also need to be agreed between Rovers and Power’s next club, which could potentially eat up a significant portion of Kelly’s playing budget.

Athletic’s manager has already this week tied up a deal for Lee Croft, a player he first spoke to shortly after securing the top job at SportsDirect.com Park, while captain Liam Kelly has been linked with a move to join up with his former boss Lee Johnson at Barnsley.

Birkenhead-born Power, who made his Tranmere debut in 2011, first joined his home-town club aged eight after turning down Liverpool.

In total, he has made 127 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals across four seasons.

This term, Power has been linked with moves to Scottish duo Celtic and Rangers. Burnley and Derby have also tracked his progress.

Meanwhile, Kelly has spoken of the benefits he feels the pre-season trip north of the border will bring with it.

Arranged before the manager’s arrival at SportsDirect.com Park, the week-long exercise in Stirling starts on Sunday, July 12, a day after a trip to play Chester.

And the training camp is set to take in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Dumbarton as well as a public clash with Stirling Albion on Friday, July 17 (7.30pm kick-off).

“It is a good opportunity to put my stamp on things,” Kelly told the Chronicle.

“I will get to know the players and vice versa within a closed environment.

“We will get a lot out of some high-intensity training within with some fantastic facilities and a very high quality of pitches.

“We will also get to face clubs who will provide a different type of opposition for us.”

AN Athletic XI, made up of youth team players, young professionals and trialists, will travel o face Trafford FC on Wednesday, July 22 (7.45pm) at Shawe View.