Spurs still in Bazunu hunt with ’keeper set to move for record Irish fee

SHAMROCK ROVERS manager Stephen

Bradley has claimed that Spurs could still pip Manchester City to the signature of in-demand teenager Gavin Bazunu.

Bazunu is expected to join Premier League champions City next summer, with the clubs close to finalising a transfer but Rovers have denied reports that a €400,000 switch has been agreed.

It’s understood that Bazunu will eventually move for a League of Ireland record – with City prepared to pay in excess of the €500,000 that Sunderland shelled out to sign Roy O’Donovan from Cork City in 2007.

However, Bradley has indicated that Spurs have not given up hope. The Londoners have already had a lower bid for the rising star rejected.

“There’s no secret that everyone wants him and we’re right down the line in terms of getting something done,” said Bradley. “There’s nothing agreed or signed but we’re right down the line talking to two clubs.”

DECISION

Bradley nodded when asked if it was City and Spurs in the equation and suggested that a final decision will come in the next month.

The player cannot join an English club as a professional until he turns 17 next February. Bazunu has stated that he would prefer to wait until he finishes his Leaving Cert next June.

“I’d imagine in the next month or so (a choice),” said Bradley. “But again it’s down to Gavin and the club. He needs to get a good feel for what he decides.

“It’s all still going on behind the scenes, that will look after itself. Both clubs have shown a big, big interest in him.”

Bradley was speaking in the aftermath of a dramatic win away to league leaders Dundalk which added spice to the title race and took the spotlight off himself.

Rovers are one point behind third-placed Waterford and need to overtake them to be sure of European football next year.

Although the sale of Bazunu added to Graham Burke’s €350,000 move to Preston could bring their funds from transfers close to the €1m mark, Rovers need a strong finish to a disappointing campaign to build hope for the future.

“I think a lot of people got carried away,” said Bradley, who was in bother after a shock FAI Cup loss to Drogheda and another derby defeat to Bohemians.

Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny was furious with the injury time penalty decision from referee Rob Harvey that gave Rovers the win.

His side are three points clear of Cork with seven games to go and must dust themselves down quickly ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Limerick before an enforced three-week break from league action – and a potentially season defining trip to Cork – due to the cup schedule.

“That’s our first sending off this season,” said Kenny, “Sean (Hoare) is disappointed with the penalty decision but the referee flashed the red card very quickly, I felt.”

Meanwhile, Derry’s FAI Cup quarter-final with Bohemians will not take place on Friday week due to international call-ups.