Fuller Linked To Wanderers

Last updated : 08 December 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers are one of a trio of Premiership clubs to be keeping tabs on Preston North End striker Ricardo Fuller ahead of the January Transfer Window.

Wanderers, Birmingham City and Everton have all been credited with an interest in the player who has scored prolifically during his time at Deepdale but it is highly likely the Lillywhites boss Craig Brown will want big money for the Jamaican international who has also had spells in Britain with Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace and Hearts.

Former Scotland manager Brown has confirmed North End will do their upmost to keep the player within their ranks and will reject any potential bids for the player who cost them a mere £500,000 when moving from Palace two years ago.

"We want to keep Ricardo Fuller, I think he is happy playing here and it is all hypothetical as no club has made any representation to us, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did" he said

He also claimed the signing of Fuller's international team mate Claude Davis will be enough to keep the 26-year old at Deepdale.

"But I am not wanting him to leave because he is a great player for us and a great attraction for the fans and he is happy, even more happy now his colleague has come from Jamaica - big Claude Davis, who is also a terrific guy."

Bolton have a big Jamaican influence having brought Ricardo Gardner, Jermaine Johnson and Donovan Ricketts from the Reggaeboyz and this could be a big factor for Fuller should he consider a move accross Lancashire.