Source: FOOTYMAD
Westwood contract talks to resume
Boothroyd's priority to keep Westwood Now that the Republic of Ireland have finished their run of international friendlies and Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has returned from a short holiday, the two will get together and try to finalise the contract extension talks that will see the best 'keeper outside the Premiership remain at The Ricoh. Westwood has been on international duty in Dublin, winning his fifth cap for Ireland in their 3-0 win over England's World Cup opponents Algeria. Coventry City chairman Ray Ranson had already spoken about the desire to keep his prized asset, saying, “We are looking to have more talks with Keiren. His agent has been out in Dublin taking in a game with him and has had a good chat with him, and hopefully we will get together and sort something out.” // '); // ]]> Westwood has another 12 months to run on his existing contract and has repeatedly said he has no desire to move away from Coventry, but this has not stifles the speculation reporting his impending move to one Premiership club or another. Mr Ranson and Aidy Boothroyd are eager for Westwood to stay a Sky Blue and are prepared to make him the club's highest paid player, but if contract talks fail, he will be sold. Ranson has stated he will not be leaving the club for free next year. Responding to the speculation surrounding Westwood, Ranson said, “All it is at the moment is speculation, we are desperately trying to get him to sign a new contract as he’s got 12 months left. Until he or his agent turn around to us and say he’s definitely not signing a new contract then we are very optimistic." Ray Ranson confirmed that thee have been no enquires or offers for Westwood since the summer transfer period recommenced on June 1st, but is certain there will be enquiries. He said,"There is interest in him and rightly so, he’s an international goalkeeper now and he’s the best goalkeeper outside the Premier League and he’s only getting better. So it’s no surprise all the big clubs want him. We’re not soliciting any firm bids but we are expecting it now the window’s opened.” When asked about Westwood's future next summer if the contract talks fail, Ranson said, “If it gets that far then we would lose him for nothing on a Bosman free transfer, so that won’t happen, I can assure you. We’d be forced to sell him. He won’t be leaving this club for nothing, that’s for certain.” As for the new manager, Aidy Boothroyd has emphasised he wants Westwood to stay so he can concentrate on preparing the outfield team for next seasons campaign. Westwood remains calm and philosophical about the whole affair saying, “I must have said this a thousand times, speculation is speculation. I can’t do anything about speculation and I suppose the club can’t do anything about speculation." “Maybe it’s just a little feather in your cap that you are doing well and people are speaking about you, but there are no bids, there’s nothing like that. Speculation doesn’t make you move clubs.”
