Archived News from June 2007
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BAPTISTE LINKED WITH CREWE
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CREWE IN LEAD FOR BAPTISTE
Evening Post, 06 June 2007 Crewe have moved to the head of the queue in the race to land Mansfield defender Alex John-Baptiste. Dario Gradi is understood to have held talks with the out-of-contract star and is hoping to complete a deal by the end of the week. Baptiste has kept Mansfield guessing since the end of the season. Despite the offer of a three-year deal to stay at Field Mill, the lure of League One football might be too much for the 21-year-old to turn down. Norwich and Hartlepool have also shown interest. Baptiste is understood to have met with Gradi, who has a reputation for developing talent. Gradi said: "We've got two defensive targets. One would pose problems with wages and agent's fees, the other would involve a compensation sum." Assistant manager Neil Baker added: "They are two promising lads we are pursuing and hopefully we can do something by the end of the week. We are short of numbers at the back and we are fully aware of the importance of getting at least one more defender in as soon as we can." Crewe linked with Stags star CHAD website, 06 June 2007 LEAGUE One Crewe Alexandra are the latest club linked with Mansfield Town's out-of-contract defender Alex John-Baptiste. The 21-year-old has been offered a lucrative new deal to stay at Field Mill but is stalling at the moment to keep his options open. Although nothing has been said officially, there are reports that he has already spoken to Alex boss Dario Gradi and could join them this week. If he left Mansfield would be entitled to a compensation fee, likely to be set by a tribunal. Norwich City and Hartlepool United have already been linked with moves for John-Baptiste this summer. However, no one has yet spoken to Stags boss Billy Dearden about taking the young defender. |
Latest | June 2007