Rovers chasing striker Vernon
Thursday 28th January, 2010
By Richard Ault

Tranmere have turned their attentions to signing Colchester United striker Scott Vernon on loan after Liverpool starlet Nathan Eccleston turned down a move to Prenton Park.

Manager Les Parry today revealed they are waiting to hear whether a move for Vernon will be successful, with The U's now looking to play a waiting game with several other clubs tracking the former Oldham and Blackpool man.

Parry also confirmed he'd tried to sign Ecclestone from Liverpool, as thecowsheds.co.uk reported earlier this week, but the player had instead opted to join Huddersfield Town.

Speaking to the official club website today, Parry said: "We've approached Colchester United for Scott Vernon and are negotiating that. I think there are four or five clubs in for him and I think they'll see who will pay what they want towards his wages then give the lad the choice.

"We have made numerous enquiries and had hoped that Nathan Ecclestone from Liverpool would be coming to join us but unfortunately Huddersfield came in yesterday and he was given the choice between us and them and picked Huddersfield. I believe he has some family there and they're higher in the league so he sees his opportunities as being better there which is fine. Liverpool were brilliant with us because they were going to help with his wages.

"We approached Manchester United for a striker and they want to keep hold of him. But we've still got two irons in the fire."

One obstacle in they way of Parry's move for Vernon could be relegation rivals Gillingham.  The striker went to Priestfield on loan in October but lasted only 41 minutes of his debut before getting injured.  Gills boss Mark Stimson has also made public his interest in the player.

Speaking earlier this month, Stimson said: “If he gets fit this month we can bring him back.

"He proved to be a different type of centre forward and we were looking forward to working with him. Unfortunately that only lasted 41 minutes."

Meanwhile, young striker Josh Macauley has turned down a loan move to Welsh Premier League side Aberystwyth.