Lincoln City issue hands-off warning to Cambridge United over striker Sam Smith
Lincoln City have warned Cambridge United Sam Smith is not for sale amid speculation they are preparing a third bid for the striker.
The Imps have so far rejected two offers for last season's top scorer which the Echo understands were well adrift of the club's valuation of the forward.
-
Sam Smith
It is believed U's boss Jez George was hoping to tie up a deal worth £25,000 for the ex-Rushden striker, whose contract at Lincoln expires next summer, writes Leigh Curtis.
According to media in Cambridge, it would have eclipsed the £15,000 they paid for Andy Pugh, who signed from Welling in January.
bcs ltd
Contact: 01522 705130
Valid until: Saturday, August 31 2013
The Abbey Stadium based-side are expected to table a third bid, but when contacted by the Echo, Lincoln refused to comment on the speculation.
It is understood David Holdsworth is furious at how news of their bid was leaked to the Cambridge media which he feels could unsettle the 22-year-old.
The Imps chief is desperate not to let any of his players leave the club after admitting the spirit in the camp has been exceptional so far.
And he sees Smith playing a key role in his team as he attempts to avoid a repeat of last term's struggle against relegation.
Although the forward missed large parts of the last campaign, Holdsworth believes he can be one of the most feared marksmen in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
He is understood to have met Smith and told him he is central to his plans and reaffirmed how valuable he was to the club.
Even though Smith's broken foot effectively ruled him out of the second half of last season, he still finished the campaign with seven goals in the league.
Comments
by CUFCfan
Thursday, July 12 2012, 7:40PM
“I've gotta say this seems rather unlikely , we don't have the money to be spending 25k on a striker at all especially as we don't particularly need another Striker either with Pugh , Gash , Elliot , Hughes and Marriot :/ Seems unlikely that's all i'm saying.”
by mattyimp80
Thursday, July 12 2012, 10:17AM
“Woud be a massive blow to lose Sam even if it did bring in a transfer fee. If he gets the right service from the wings he will have another good season.
He is young, can only improve and get better.
I don't like our good players with potential to get better being on 1 year contracts in my opinion Sam Smith and Alan power should have been offered 2 year deals in the summer. In my opinion the 2 best players at the club.”