Peter Thorne on verge of City exit

Last updated : 01 July 2005 By Michael Morris
City's record £1.7m striker is said to be in Norwich talking to Nigel Worthington over a possible £300,000 deal. Sheffield Utd, who have been linked over the past few weeks to Thorne amongst others, appear to have resigned themselves to missing out on Thorne but they are watching what happens.

Tony Vidmar and Aaran Lee Barrat were early departures this summer. Jobi McAnuff went to Crystal Palace a few weeks ago and yesterday Lee Bullock moved to Hartlepool.

Now it looks like one of the high earners, Thorne, is certain to be next. Speaking of Bullocks departure and Thorne's imminent move Sam Hammam told the Western Mail

"The real big decision was that of Thorney.

"When fit, he was undoubtedly the leader of our line; a tremendous player in every sense. Intelligent, capable of playing with his back to goal.

"I happen to believe a lot of Rob Earnshaw's success here was down to his partnership with Thorne, who made him look very good.

"Thorney is wanted by three other clubs in our division. But our manager has a different idea of how he wants his front line to work, a different style of approach.

"Thorney is also easily the biggest earner at the club. We've got plenty of big earners, but he's at another level again.

"With regards to Bullock, other clubs were also interested in him, but we and he decided Hartlepool was the best option for him."

The full interview with Sam can be found here.

It's also reported this morning that Willie Boland has signed a new deal but there is no such luck for Darren Williams with Dave Jones deciding he does not want the former Sunderland defender.

The exodus won't be over yet. Richard Langley and Tony Warner are still both subject to rumours of them moving and there is confirmed speculation that Dany Gabidon is a target for West Ham with the Hammers said to have tabled a £2m bid but City are said to be wanting £3m.

Sam explained that the lack of a new stadium meant players had to go

"If it was up and running, we may not have to sell players. Delays are affecting the football planning, I'm sorry for Dave, but he understands the situation we are in. And he's calm about it."

On the arrivals side it's expected that Jeff Whitley will be a cardiff City player this afternoon.