The Odd Couple - Latest News

By: Jostein Jensen
Date: 16/10/2001

ODD/GRENLAND aren't refusing to loan or sell Alexander Aas and Bård Borgersen to Grimsby, saying that they haven't had any official approaches from the Mariners yet. "This is not something that is taking up much of our time," said leader Odd Jan Sæterbakken.

He has though heard about Grimsby's interest in both players through the media, but he is not standing over the fax machine waiting. "As we say to all agents, clubs and players: 'Give us a concrete contact, and we will consider it.'" Grimsby boss Lennie Lawrence had planned to see Alexander Aas last Sunday, but when he heard that Odd would demand £1-million for the defender he changed his plans.

Aas doesn't know any more than he has read. "Until something concrete happens I don't think about it. But generally it would be fun to play on grass this winter," he said, fearful of missing important training sessions if he stayed in his homeland. "I'm also a bit skeptical about loan deals." he added

"If we get an offer we will consider if it can gain our players - if we loan out Alex will he be a better footballer than if he ran around here in the cold? But they must eventually come with an offer first," said Sæterbakken regarding any loan move by Grimsby.

Loan deals are interesting Odd who have to find a foreign club to co-operate with. "We have earlier thought about a establishing a co-operation with another club, perhaps especially in England since they play in our winter break." said the Norwegian supremo, as today Hull City announced a similar tie-up with Danish club Brondby.

"It would be interesting to see what advantage could be gained from a two-way loan deal with players, and also other co-operation. So there is no straight no from us. But from us it is only a period from November to January that we are interested in. After that we start our pre-season with the La Manga tournament," explained Sæterbakken.

The Norwegian added that he had spoken with Bård Borgersen on Monday. "Bård still sits with all the cards, we are not talking about new deadlines. He still awaits on foreign moves. I doubt if anything will come from Southampton's and Arsenal's visit on Sunday. They noted something in the first half, but I guess they fell asleep in the second half," said Sæterbakken after the match ended 0-0.

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