Tranmere fury over Davies deal with Derby County

Jun 18 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

TRANMERE Rovers may take legal action over Derby County’s controversial signing of winger Steve Davies.

Rovers have learnt through media reports that Davies, whose existing deal expires on June 30, has penned a three year contract with the Rams – despite not informing anyone at Prenton Park.

Manger Ronnie Moore made repeated attempts to persuade the 20-year old to sign a new contract.

But the winger refused all offers throughout the season, making clear his desire to leave.

Tranmere’s best offer would have put him in the top bracket of earners at the club and was one of the best offers ever made to a player under the age of 21.

Tranmere had received an official offer from Derby on 21 May, which was rejected.

Last season, Leeds United made an offer for Davies of £500,000 and other Championship clubs had also expressed interest.

But if a fee cannot be agreed, Tranmere may take the matter to a tribunal and Derby County could be be forced to pay the sum determined by the tribunal.

Davies joined Tranmere at the age of 15 from Liverpool’s Academy, where he had spent the previous six years.

He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury at the start of the 2007/08 season and was nursed back to full fitness by the medical team at Tranmere.

Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore said: “We are disappointed about the way this has been handled by the player and Derby but no doubt this will come out in the tribunal.

“Given other clubs’ independent valuations of the player we are confident this will be reflected in the tribunal decision.”