Cliftonville defend Donnelly U-turn

23 December 2011 23:16

Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor has defended his decision to request an improved offer from Swansea for Rory Donnelly after revealing Everton's bid was "considerably higher".

The teenage striker is set to leave the Northern Irish club in January, with Swansea, Everton and Liverpool all confirmed admirers. Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers was first to make his move when the club lodged a bid worth around £100,000, which was accepted by Cliftonville.

Lawlor told skysports.com: "Everton's bid is considerably higher than Swansea's. There is a major difference in the bids. They are miles apart. My job is to do the best thing for Cliftonville."

Rodgers, who has personally scouted the striker and had him shown round the club's training ground, spoke of his frustration after formal interest from Everton apparently upped the asking price.

The Swans manager had earlier said: "I find it sad and disappointing that we had an agreement and now we don't, morally you would think that would stand but we will find out over the next few days."

Meanwhile, Cliftonville boss Tommy Breslin believes Rodgers could yet get his man, explaining that Swansea's personal touch could yet prove significant.

Breslin said: "Rory said that he was impressed by Swansea and by what Brendan Rodgers had to say.

"He said the facilities were good and that there was a great team spirit with no egos. The Northern Irish link with Brendan probably helped too.

"We expect the deal to be completed. We've got a fixture on Boxing Day and I'm planning for it without Rory."

Source: PA