Burton Albion: Brewers face battle for midfielder

BURTON Albion boss Paul Peschisolido is hoping to sign Kidderminster Harriers midfielder Russell Penn – but has vowed not to get dragged into a bidding war.

Peschisolido (pictured) says the Brewers have made a bid for 23-year-old Penn.

But the offer is not thought to be as high as the £50,000-plus price tag quoted by Harriers chairman Barry Norgrove.

Norgrove said: "Russell is a big player for us and we don't want to lose him.

"Of course Russ is an ambitious lad and we would never stand in his way if he ever wanted to progress but it would only be done if the deal was in the best interests of Kidderminster Harriers.

"If money were to be offered of such a significant amount that it could safeguard the club's future, then we would have to look at that seriously in this economy.

"Such a figure would be a starting point of £50,000, going upwards from there, possibly even into six figures.

"At the end of the day, what is the point of letting Russell Penn leave for peanuts?

"He has been courted before, by the likes of Walsall and Peterborough last summer, so it's natural that he will have clubs after him. But he is still a player that we don't want to lose."

Peschisolido responded: "We have shown an interest in the player and made a bid which we are happy with and we think is fair.

"We are waiting on an answer but we are not going to get caught up in an auction.

"I am concerned that someone has put this out in order to start a bidding war.

"I am not interested in that.

"We are not going to go crazy with regard to money – that's not how we do business."

Peschisolido added: "We have gone back to them two or three times already, so we are in the final stages.

"If it drags on for too much longer, we will have to look elsewhere.

"I would like to think we can get a deal done but it has to be reasonable."

Penn began his career as a trainee at Scunthorpe United before moving to Aggborough in the summer of 2005.

He has made more than 150 appearances for Kidderminster and is an England C international.

Last season, he made 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals, and was named the club's player of the year.

"He is an excellent player who would be a great addition to the squad," said Peschisolido.

"He's done well against Burton in the past and I'm sure he would be a popular signing with the supporters.

"But as I say, we are not going to pay silly money."