CITY REFUSE TO CASH IN


09:30 - 01 July 2005
Brian Tinnion last night revealed Bristol City have turned down a
double-your-money offer for striker Steve Brooker.

Brooker moved to Ashton Gate from Port Vale for £150,000 last
September - and his impressive form led to a Championship club attempting to
prise him away from City this summer. But Tinnion is determined to hold on
to his best players as he plots a promotion assault for the coming season.
As well as rejecting the £300,000 bid for Brooker, Tinnion is confident that
last season's top scorer, Leroy Lita, will sign a new contract in the near
future.

"We had enquiries about Brooks and we could have doubled our money on
him," said Tinnion. "But we didn't consider letting him go. He's a big part
of our plans here." Lita has a year left on his current deal and has
attracted interest from Reading and Burnley.

But Tinnion added: "I spoke to Leroy yesterday and I expect him to be
here at the start of the season.

"Once he gets his problems sorted out with his agents I'm sure he will
come in and sign a contract.

"Leroy is having trouble getting rid of an agent he doesn't want to
use. That's the only sticking point but he'll sign once that's resolved.
It's what Leroy wants and what everyone at the club wants. Leroy is looking
forward to playing with Marcus Stewart next season.

"Clubs have phoned about Leroy but I don't think a move interests him.
All he wants to do is stay here and get another 30 goals next season."

City are also hoping to tie defender Danny Coles to a new contract in
the near future.


[Western Daily Press]
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