Sport
JUST IN: Birmingham City Transfer Boost As Target Rejects Move, And Bolton Battle With Derby Over A Star
Birmingham City have received a boost after it emerged one of their targets rejected a move to a transfer rival.
According to Football Insider, Josh Laurent has turned down the opportunity to join Turkish side Sivasspor. It was reported on Tuesday by TEAMtalk that Stoke City had accepted a bid for Laurent, but the midfielder has turned down the chance to play in the Super Lig.
Football Insider’s report claims that Blues are interested in signing Laurent, but might find it ‘hard’ to agree a fee with Stoke. They add that Laurent is happy to bide his time at the Potters and wait for a more ‘attractive’ opportunity to pop up after turning down the chance to move to Turkey.
The 29-year-old featured in 40 games last season for Stoke, and remained club captain after Steven Schumacher’s arrival. He has one year remaining on his contract at the bet365 Stadium, and it looks like Stoke are open to moving him on after accepting an approach.
In other news, Bolton Wanderers have been linked with a surprise move for Brest winger Karamoko Dembele. According to Darren Witcoop, Derby County, Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday are all said to have made offers to sign the former Celtic prodigy, who was reportedly subject of transfer interest from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old had a stellar campaign for the Seasiders last term, despite missing out on a play-off spot. He contributed to 23 goals with 14 assists and nine goals. It was his first real taste of regular first-team football after a spell with Celtic, and then sporadic opportunities with Brest last season.
Brest are surprisingly willing to let Dembele to go, and there are two years remaining on his current contract. For a player previously wanted by Everton, West Ham and Leeds, Bolton might have a battle on their hands to persuade him to remain in League One, rather than challenging himself in the Championship.
