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Middlesbrough hose down reports of Bolton bid for Australia international Rhys Williams
Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray claims there were no bids for the Socceroo, despite reports in the UK linking Bolton with a big-money move
Feb 1, 2012 2:13:00 AM
By Paddy Higgs
Getty Images
Middlesbrough have dismissed claims Australian utility Rhys Williams was the subject of a €7.2 million January transfer window deadline-day bid from Premier League strugglers Bolton.
Several media outlets in the UK reported Owen Coyle’s Bolton had tabled a big-money offer for Australia international Williams, who can play in defence or midfield and has been long tipped for a move away from his Championship club.
But Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray – speaking to the club’s website shortly before the transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday – reiterated that no bids had been lodged for Williams or any of his players.
"I can sit here and categorically tell you that's not the case," Mowbray said. "How these things get reported, who knows? But sitting here right now, as far as I know there's been no offer from Bolton.
"There are been no official bids on any of our players, to try to throw a blanket over all of it.
"And yet I could understand the Rhys and Bolton connection - Owen (Coyle) had him at Burnley for a season and knows what a talent he is.
"He's a few years older now and has done fantastically well for us in several positions. But there have been no bids in and I welcome that, he's been integral to what we're trying to achieve here."
Williams has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough, who are just goal difference outside the Championship playoff places.
While Williams may not have moved on deadline day, younger brother Ryan did. The winger, 18, secured a two-and-a-half-year deal at Premier League club Fulham, moving from debt-stricken Championship outfit Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
Several media outlets in the UK reported Owen Coyle’s Bolton had tabled a big-money offer for Australia international Williams, who can play in defence or midfield and has been long tipped for a move away from his Championship club.
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But Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray – speaking to the club’s website shortly before the transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday – reiterated that no bids had been lodged for Williams or any of his players.
"I can sit here and categorically tell you that's not the case," Mowbray said. "How these things get reported, who knows? But sitting here right now, as far as I know there's been no offer from Bolton.
"There are been no official bids on any of our players, to try to throw a blanket over all of it.
"And yet I could understand the Rhys and Bolton connection - Owen (Coyle) had him at Burnley for a season and knows what a talent he is.
"He's a few years older now and has done fantastically well for us in several positions. But there have been no bids in and I welcome that, he's been integral to what we're trying to achieve here."
Williams has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough, who are just goal difference outside the Championship playoff places.
While Williams may not have moved on deadline day, younger brother Ryan did. The winger, 18, secured a two-and-a-half-year deal at Premier League club Fulham, moving from debt-stricken Championship outfit Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
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