Perugia forward Jay Bothroyd, a 22-year old Englishman who joined the Italians in the summer on a Bosman transfer from Coventry City has apparently alerted a number of Premiership clubs including Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and ourselves as well as top Italian duo Lazio and Roma, but the Perugia president Luciano Gauchi has warned any interested party that he will not allow the former Arsenal junior to leave cheaply. The former England U21 player has started life in Italy superbly scoring goals for fun and this will no doubt be an opportunity missed for Wanderers who had the player on trial during the summer.
Meanwhile it is reported that Bolton have been checking on the progress of Bothroyd's team mate at Perugia, Fabio Grosso and that Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and ourselves have all had the midfielder watched during the season.
Paul Smith, a 23-year old goalkeeper who plays for Brentford is also being watched. The former Charlton Athletic youngster has spent time on trial with Premiership rivals Southampton but it is thought they could face stiff competition from ourselves, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves and Liverpool who have shown strong interest in the former Carshalton player.