UPSON FUTURE 'LIES ELSEWHERE' - AGENT
Posted 31/12/06 12:30
Matthew Upson's agent has claimed the Birmingham central defender
"sees his future elsewhere" which is likely to spark a scramble for
his signature from several Barclays Premiership clubs in
January.
Blues boss Steve Bruce wants to retain the services of Upson and
has warned it will take "a mega-bucks offer" to persuade him to
sell the England player in January.
Upson has 18 months left of his current deal after refusing the
offer of a new five year contract last season.
Now his agent Barry Neville has insisted Upson wants a move away
from St. Andrews with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle
keeping tabs on the £7 million rated player.
Neville said: "Matt has made it quite clear that he sees his future
elsewhere. Until a club contacts Birmingham, Matt remains a
Birmingham player."
Upson has only just returned to fitness after a 10-month lay-off
with pelvic and achilles problems.
Bruce will attempt to persuade Upson that his long term future
should be with Blues if they regain their place in the
Premiership.
They are currently on course to achieve that objective and head the
Coca Cola Championship by six points.
He said: "Matt Upson could be key to getting us where we want to
be. We've got to be strong enough when the transfer window
opens.
"Hopefully by the summer we can be in the Premier League and can
make Matt an offer he can't refuse.
"I have said to Matt is we are promoted, that we would want to
build our team around him.
"Where can I go and get a left-sided England centre-back who is 27
of his quality? I don't think I can."