LEE CLARK expects prize asset Anthony Pilkington to be in Huddersfield Town’s opening-day League I line-up at home to Bury on August 6.
The Galpharm boss today dismissed reports of a £1.75m bid by Premier League new boys Norwich, saying: “There’s been no contact.”
And he insists it would take far more than the figures quoted in a number of reports before Town even begin to consider an offer.
Sharp-shooting winger Pilkington, who has just turned 23 and is contracted to 2014, is currently recovering from the broken left leg and ankle dislocation he suffered in March.
Clark confirmed his recovery is progressing well and added: “While he might not be able to start pre-season with the group, I’m confident he’ll be ready for the first league game.”
Signed from Stockport in January 2009, Pilkington played 40 times last season, taking his overall Town tally to 107 games and career total to 198.
He netted in six games running in October and November – he scored 14 in all last season and has notched 25 times since moving to West Yorkshire – and made the PFA League I team.
“He’s one of the best players in the Football League and I’m not surprised he’s being linked with Premier League clubs,” continued Clark, who is believed to be on the trail of left-sided Southampton prospect Oscar Gobern.
“The rumours are pretty much inevitable, but the figures being talked about are hugely below our valuation, and the best way to look at them is that they confirm we are doing the right things in signing talented young players and developing them.”
Town have added a game at Scottish Premier League new boys Dunfermline on Tuesday, July 19, to their friendly schedule.
