Dunn and dusted - Latics sign ex-Rovers ace

WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE: David Dunn should be a valuable asset for Athletic.

DAVID Dunn is to sign for Athletic in the club’s most high-profile swoop of the summer.

The former Blackburn Rovers star (35), lined up by the club to provide leadership, will complete the formalities on a one-year deal to extend his career into an 18th season.

Without a pre-season training programme behind him, it is unlikely Dunn will be considered ready to play immediately. But once up to speed, Athletic’s board believes he has plenty to offer.

Dunn, who is believed to have had offers from other clubs, holds a UEFA coaching qualification and is expected eventually to move into management.

And having a player of the one-cap England man’s calibre in the side will increase Kelly’s headache when it comes to selection options in midfield.

BUt the club also has a pressing need to sell players now. The board had approved a switch for Jonathan Forte and Brian Wilson, but both deals have stalled. Efforts to move players out to leave room for others are likely to be stepped up.

Othr clubs are said to be interested in Forte - last season’s Athletic top scorer - while Dominic Poleon is believed to have attracted attention from Championship clubs.

Centre-back is a position of urgency for the club as the new season looms in nine days, with James Wilson, Timothee Dieng and teenage rookie George Edmundson the only players on the books in that position.

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_