Bolton launch bid to keep Jussi
by Tom Adams, 15 May 2008
Jussi Jaaskelainen’s agent has confirmed to setantasports.com that he has ‘opened dialogue’ with Bolton regarding a new contract for the goalkeeper, but Peter Harrison has warned The Trotters that teams from both The Premier League and abroad are sniffing around the Finland international.
Jaaskelainen had seemed set to leave The Reebok Stadium in the summer after contract talks broke down last year and a home defeat to Liverpool in March appeared to be his last game for the club as he was struck down by injury.
However, Bolton’s success in narrowly avoiding relegation from The Premier League has seemingly prompted manager Gary Megson into action.
Talks are now underway as Bolton attempt to extend Jaaskelainen’s ten-and-a-half year stay at the club, but with his contract due to expire there is certainly widespread interest in a player who has proved a valuable servant since moving to England.
Harrison has opened discussions with the club but insists there is no rush to conclude talks as Jaaskelainen is currently on holiday and has a number of potential opportunities to explore.
“I don’t know [if there is a good chance he will stay], Jussi is on holiday, we know what he is looking for and I am speaking with clubs,” Harrison told setantasports.com.
“I’m speaking with Bolton, we have opened dialogue but I am just waiting to see what happens. Bolton have contacted me and I have spoken to them, we have had a conversation.
“The season has just finished, clubs are busy looking at what staff they need for next year, really it’s not as if we have got to make up our mind today or in the next seven days.
“We will just let it take its course and see what happens over the next ten days. Jussi is away on a family holiday and when he gets back we will see what has happened in the time he is away.
“There are some clubs interested in signing Jussi but there is also Bolton, who we have never said no to.
“There are Premier League clubs interested in him and foreign clubs as well.”