Stanley close in on Jeffers deal
8:25am Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport
By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter
ACCRINGTON Stanley are close to finalising a deal to sign Francis Jeffers after the former Blackburn Rovers and England striker linked up with the club for training.
Jeffers, who also had a spell training with Stanley in the summer of 2011, is a free agent after leaving Maltese side Floriana in November.
Even if a deal can be finalised before the game, it is uncertain if the 32-year-old will be able to feature in tomorrow’s League Two fixture at Northampton – with international clearance also required.
But Stanley boss Leam Richardson thinks Jeffers – a player who once joined Arsenal from Everton for £8m – could provide a real boost to the club as they attempt to move away from the relegation zone.
Jeffers could link up with fellow former England international James Beattie up front for the Reds.
“He has joined us for training and we’re hoping to get something done,” Richardson said.
“It is a good coup for the club at a critical time of the season. He was transferred for £8m so he’s got a fantastic pedigree and he’s still hungry to score goals.
“If he can add his goals and his experience, he can be a great addition for us.
“I’ve always said I only want to add players if it makes us stronger and he will do that.”
