City closing in on Purse signing

Last updated : 20 July 2005 By Michael Morris
Early reports that broke on the internet this morning that Darren Purse had signed for City were soon dismissed as it appeared that the final details had not been completed.

There was no official word to stories that then started to appear that City had agreed a package worth around £1m for the services of the WBA defender. Then the BBC spoke to Purse's agent David Cody.

"Darren has spoken to Dave Jones and was impressed with what he had to say. There's a few bits and pieces that need clarifying, but they are not going to stop us agreeing the contract," Cody told BBC Sport

"We have a situation where we need to agree certain things with West Brom and that's what is holding things up.Those are things personal to Darren and myself that have to be clarified.

"You have lots of things in an existing contract and the player himself is not breaking the contract, it's the club looking to sell the player. But they are items which I believe will be resolved in the next few days, and then Darren will look forward to a long and successful career with Cardiff."

Looking good then for City but WBA's official website declared late this afternoon.

"ALBION have accepted two undisclosed offers from Championship outfits Cardiff and Southampton for defender Darren Purse.

Both clubs have now been granted permission to speak to the 28-year-old, former Blues centre-half."

So now we wait for an official announcement from either Cardiff or Southampton to see who's won the race.