PATO SEEKS TALKS WITH IRON -Scunthorpe United

[Chase]

Iron striker Martin Paterson has confirmed he wants to play in the Championship next season.

But he will not be handing in a transfer request to Scunthorpe United - for the immediate future at least.The 21-year-old front man, who scored 14 goals in the campaign just finished, has been the subject of two bids from Burnley this summer, the second of which, worth £450,000, plus add-ons, was rejected on Tuesday.

Yet while the Northern Ireland international has enjoyed his year at Glanford Park, he feels he deserves the chance to stay in English football's second tier following Scunthorpe's relegation.



And his agent, Gary Mellor, told the Telegraph he is now seeking talks with the Iron to see if the club will budge on their stance that the player is not for sale.

"While Martin is happy at Scunthorpe and really likes the people there, he would be interested in talking to clubs if it meant he could stay in the Championship," Mellor admitted.

"We had a chat, and while we didn't talk about specific clubs really, Championship football is what he wants.

"He's enjoyed playing in the Championship and he wants to play at the highest level he can to try and learn and get better.

"I haven't spoken to Steve Wharton, who we did the deal with when Martin initially signed, because he's been ill.

"But obviously we need to have a chat about what their expectations are or indeed if they want to sell.

"I don't really know anyone else there with whom to have that conversation.

"I would like to think we'll have a meeting with Scunthorpe in the near future about what their plans are.

"But it's in their hands because obviously he's still got one year left on his contract there."

When asked about whether Paterson would be submitting a transfer request to Scunthorpe, Mellor added: "It's too early for that to be honest, out of respect for the club and the fans."

Although Burnley are the only club to have made a firm bid for Paterson's services, the striker's agent wouldn't be surprised to see more clubs enter the running.

Norwich, back in January, made an enquiry about the former Stoke youngster, who has so far cost the Iron an initial fee of £275,000 and a further £60,000 based on appearances, and may still be interested.

Mellor accepts, if the player were to move, Scunthorpe would need to be 'fairly compensated'.

"I think Martin has proved he can play in the Championship with Scunthorpe," he said.

"He wasn't always selected but he feels he's good enough to play in the Championship and other clubs seem to think so too.

"There hasn't been any other interest at this moment, but I'm sure there will be other clubs interested.

"There are people out there who want Martin, but it's only right Scunthorpe are fairly compensated.

"They took him on last summer, they gave him the opportunity and he appreciates that."

The Iron have revealed they will play Championship newcomers Doncaster Rovers in a friendly at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, July 19.