DC Update

Manager Darrell Clarke expects Alefe Santos to make a decision soon on his future at the club

By The Bristol Post | Posted: June 24, 2014
Alefe Santos



BRISTOL Rovers boss Darrell Clarke believes Alefe Santos will make a decision on whether his future lies at or away from the Memorial Stadium by the end of the week.

Santos, 19, is yet to put pen to paper on the new deal that was offered to him at the end of last season and has been the subject of one failed bid to lure him away by Premier League club Hull City at the start of the month.

Hull, who were keen to add Santos to their Under-21 development team set-up, have since been reported to be considering a second offer for the Brazilian-born winger – but have yet to table an improved bid.

Clarke is keen for the issue to be resolved before his players return for pre-season training next Monday and expects to find out in the coming days whether or not Santos is to be part of his plans going forward.

"Alefe hasn't signed his deal yet, but I would expect that to be resolved one way or the other by the end of the week," said Clarke.

"The offer made to Alefe at the end of the season is what it is and that will not be increased. It is now up to Alefe to make his mind up on it either way."

Rovers, however, would be entitled to some form of compensation if Santos turns down the deal in favour of a move elsewhere due to the rules and regulations covering homegrown players under the age of 24.

Clarke, meanwhile, is hopeful that the coming days will see recent arrivals Jamie White and Matt Taylor joined by additional new faces. The manager is in the market for a goalkeeper to provide competition for Steve Mildenhall and also needs to address a number of other areas of a squad that was shorn of 12 players at the end of last season.

Two wide players, and a creative midfielder appear to be the minimum requirement, while Clarke also looks set to bolster his options at the centre of defence following reports that former Chesterfield defender Matty Brown turned down a move to Rovers in favour of a contract at Chester.

"I'd like to have maybe two or three new faces in this week if at all possible," said Clarke.

"I've spoken to a lot of players, but there are, of course, always one or two lingering issues to resolve before you can confirm anything for certain.

"It all takes a bit of time and we'll have to see how things develop in the next couple of days. I'm where I expected to be at this stage. We won't be pressing any panic buttons that is for certain."

Rovers have confirmed prices ahead of their pre-season friendly against Coventry City at the Memorial Stadium on August 1 (7.45pm)

Tickets for the game have been priced at £14 for adults and £7 for concessions in seated areas and £10 for adults and £5 for concessions in terraced areas and the South Stand.

Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Manager-Darrell-Clarke-expects-Alefe-Santos-make/story-21280788-detail/story.html