Smithies could move on admits Huddersfield Town chief

Jan 26 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN could sell Alex Smithies after talks over a new contract for their star teenage goalkeeper broke down – but not before the end of the season.

The 18-year-old England junior international’s current first-year professional deal runs out this summer.

While the academy product – who made his ninth successive start as Town went down 4-2 at League I leaders Leicester on Saturday – would be free to move on, the Galpharm club would be entitled to compensation under the Bosman ruling because the player is under 24.

With a string of Premier League clubs said to be interested, they could also cash in by selling him before the transfer window shuts at 5.00pm a week today.

The Huddersfield-born player, who was last week named in the England Under 19 squad for the clash with Spain at Bournemouth on February 10, has held new contract talks.

But Town chairman-elect Dean Hoyle revealed: “We offered Alex and his agent exactly what they wanted and expected him to sign, but then the goalposts moved.