Man Utd & Chelsea Fight Over Bothroyd ?!?

Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd is delighted to have earned a surprise call-up for England's friendly against France this week - the towering striker has been in sublime form, causing serious problems for every defender he's face this season.

However, Bothroyd's return to prominence has sparked a media furore and rbought him firmly to the attentions of numerous hacks, scouts and Premiership managers.

Whilst numerous scouts were on hand to witness his double against Scunthorpe over the weekend, the media reports linking him with numberless clubs are somewhat wide of the mark. Scouts have been despatched to monitor Jay this season, and there is no reason why every top flight club would suddenly declare their interest on the back of a call-up amidst an injury crisis, and a brace against Scunthorpe United !!!

According the newspaper and online reports today, Premiership giants (and Champions League hopefuls) Manchester United and Chelsea are both keen on Bothroyd - and intend to lodge bids in January. Liverpool hafve been credited with an interest, while Newcastle United seem a more realistic proposition and are known to be keen on him. Fulham, Aston Villa and Everton are also keeping an eye on him, while some reporters have mistaken Arsene Wenger's disappointment at letting him go - as a renewed interest from his former club Arsenal.

Bothroyd is pure class, and undoubtedly has the ability to play in the Premiership. There are strong signs he has matured as a player, and developed a far better attitude and work-rate. The fact he is out-of-contract next summer and yet to put pen to paper on a new Bluebirds deal, suggests he may be available for a knockdown price and provide a Premiership club with somewhat of a bargain.

Not bad for a £300k Wolverhampton Wanderers reject we only signed because the useless lump Marcus Bent turned us down at the last minute !

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