FORESTIERI IN REVOLT
Owls fury as striker refuses to play
FERNANDO FORESTIERI is at the centre of a strike storm as Newcastle United, Derby County and Wolves all circle over the want-away Sheffield Wednesday striker.
Owls manager Carlos Carvalhal is furious at his player of the year who “refused” to travel to last night’s 0-0 draw at Norwich.
Carvalhal said: “After training on Friday when we are ready to go he told me he didn’t want to go to the game. He didn’t want to play. I’m not living with kids in schools.”
The FLP understands Forestieri had to be convinced to play against Aston Villa last weekend but his winner persuaded Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez to jump to the front of the queue.
The Toon want the proven Championship striker, 26, – but Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri yesterday told his manager he doesn’t have to sell.
That stance will be severely tested in the coming days with Newcastle willing to better the £10m they paid Crystal Palace for Dwight Gayle as they look to repair their woeful start.
Fans are demanding they find another striker after losing to Fulham and Huddersfield Town.
Derby last week had a £7m offer for the Argentinian rebuffed. Wolves, who failed to sign County forward Chris Martin last Wednesday, want more fire power and have funds to back it.
FERNANDO Forestieri refused to board the bus for Sheffield Wednesday’s goalless draw at Norwich City but head coach Carlos Carvalhal has told the striker he won’t be sold.
Forestieri bagged 15 goals for the Owls last season and that resulted in a £7m bid from Derby County earlier this week, which was subsequently turned down.
The Rams remain keen though and fellow Championship promotion rivals Newcastle United are also believed to be interested in the man who signed from Watford last summer for an undisclosed fee in the region of £3m.
Carvalhal explained: “The player came to me before the win over Aston Villa last week and told me that he is not in a good mood to play.
“I talked with him and I got Glen Loovens to talk with him also, and we convinced him to come back to the team and he played.
“We explained that it would be a very bad decision if he didn’t play. He played and played very well - he scored goal.
“And then we prepared for this game on Friday, we put him in the position to play and train through corners, free-kicks, everything.
“After training when we are ready to go on the bus he told me that he didn’t want to go to the game. He didn’t bring the clothes to play and he didn’t want to play.
“I don’t need to feel let down. I like the players to play if they are available and playing very well. After this I’m not living with kids in school, I’m living with men and professionals.
“We will open the normal process because he refuses to play and we will be training tomorrow I think, and if he doesn’t come we’ll open up another process.”
When asked if Forestieri wants to leave, Carvalhal bizaarely replied: “No, because he has a three-year contract. If he asks to leave, what’s the point? The chairman won’t sell.
“He will stay, from what the chairman said he will stay. There is no chance [he will be sold].”
Norwich started the game in a confident mood and quickly
started to trouble the Owls defence.
A combination of great defending and luck saw the score stay level, as Tom Lees produced two great last-ditch clearances in the opening 20 minutes.
The Canaries continued to press, and a Robbie Brady cross from the left forced Sam Hutchinson to divert the ball out of play via Keiren Westwood’s cross bar in another nervous moment for Carvahal’s side.
The Owls made a much improved start to the second half however. Gary Hooper played a deft flick into the path of Barry Bannan, who had his shot well saved by substitute keeper Michael McGovern, on for John Ruddy at half-time.
The home side had Ivo Pinto to thank for an outstanding tackle on Lucas Joao with 15 minutes remaining.
And Josh Murphy had a chance to get a late winner, but Keiren Westwood was quick off his line to earn his side a hardearned point.
Canaries manager Alex Neil admitted: “I don’t think any needs convincing that we need another striker.
“I think that everyone within the club and everyone that came to the game knows we need to try and strengthen that area.
“We are trying to strengthen upfront as quickly as we can, and hopefully the quicker we get it done the better.
“We didn’t play well, and the fans come and pay their money and want to be entertained and we didn’t do that.
“So if they want to boo at the end it’s entirely up to them. But we will play better than that come Tuesday.”