Striker Clarkson now closing in on move to Bristol City
Bristol City target David Clarkson is spending the weekend mulling over a move to Ashton Gate after Motherwell and the Robins confirmed they had agreed an undisclosed fee.
Bristol City are firm favourites for his signature as Cardiff City have declined to pursue their interest in the Scotland international striker.
-
David Clarkson
Clarkson was given one day off from training with the Steelmen to fly down to Bristol on Thursday to have talks with Robins boss Gary Johnson. But he has now returned to Motherwell, who are preparing for a Europa League qualifier with Llanelli next week.
Clarkson and his agent Mark Donaghy are hoping for a four-year deal from City as part of a move that will cost chairman Steve Lansdown £600,000 up front.
The fee could rise to £800,000 depending on the number of appearances made, and goals scored, by Clarkson, and depending on whether he helps City achieve promotion to the Premier League.
A City statement said they would speak to the player early next week.
Cardiff's interest is thought to be dependent on the future of their own top scorer Ross McCormack.
At present, he looks set to stay in Wales so the Bluebirds' priority is very much finding a replacement for centre-half Roger Johnson, who joined Birmingham for £5 million this week.
Clarkson is a nippy front-runner who plays his best football working alongside a big targetman – the sort of player City do not really have at present.
Former Oldham striker Chris Porter, now with City's Championship rivals Derby County, was his prefered partner at Motherwell.
Yet to score 15 goals in a Scottish Premier League season, Clarkson has retained his place in the Scotland squad although he has been an unused substitute of late.
The likelihood is that City will seal a deal for Clarkson early next week, before they start pre-season training on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, City have missed out on left winger Mark Yeates. The Irishman has moved from Colchester to Middlesbrough for £500,000.
Bristol City's away game at Cardiff will now take place on Sunday, August 23 (1.15pm) – a day later than planned – following a police request.
6 Comments
View all
by citypete, bristol
Monday, June 29 2009, 3:55PM
“he has signed on monday but it might take BEP a few days before they tell you all. a very good signing what ever the gas fans here say he is better then lambert”
by allen jones, bristol
Sunday, June 28 2009, 8:12PM
“Only £600,000 for a 23 year old full international, that tells you the state of scottish football.
We need someone with premier league experience to bolster the side.”
by GHS, Kingswood
Sunday, June 28 2009, 11:13AM
“Blue - you are Michael Jacksons former bedmate..”
by Blue is the colour, Bristol
Saturday, June 27 2009, 6:49PM
“MMwwahhhhhhhhhhh lmfao, poor little johny.
Envy eh?
Whats it like to envy something so much little johny? mwahhhhhhahahahahaha”
by Mart, Scotland
Saturday, June 27 2009, 4:24PM
“This 'striker' has never had a decent goals to games ratio, though he did once hit the post during a warm up. Scotland will be glad to see the back of him so they can save on lost balls.”