Mike Newell says he has been surprised with the intense interest in Curtis Davies.
Luton Town boss Mike Newell admits he has been surprised with the intense interest in his star stopper Curtis Davies so early into the season.The 20-year-old has become one of The Championship's hottest properties just three games into the new term, continuing the impressive development that saw him claim League One Player of the Year last time around.
Davies' pace and awareness have made him an attractive proposition and with the transfer window set to close at the end of August the race to secure his signature has been hotting up considerably.
A host of Premiership sides are interested in acquiring Davies, and Newell says he has been taken aback by the level of interest in the player who has only been a first team regular for just over one season.
"There was an enquiry in the summer, but all other enquiries have been in the past week or so," said Newell.
"There has been interest from clubs at the top level and we expected that.
"But maybe we didn't expect quite so much interest quite so soon."
Luton will not stand in Davies' way providing their valuation of the player is matched and the talented youngster has already stated his burning desire to test his ability on the game's biggest stages.
It remains to be seen if a Premiership side will offer the former Wimbledon trainee such an opportunity before the end of August, but Fulham, West Brom, Spurs and Birmingham have all been reported to hold a strong interest in the centre-back.
Indeed Blues boss Steve Bruce has voiced his admiration of the player and indicated that his skills are widely appreciated in the top division.
"I think a lot of clubs are having a look, he's a decent player," Bruce told the Evening Mail.
Davies' departure looks increasingly likely and Newell is actively pursuing further defensive possibilities as he looks to maintain his side's fantastic start to the season.
The well-regarded boss has confirmed his interest in loaning Tottenham full-back Phil Ifil after Norwich insisted they were not chasing the 18-year-old.
"He's a lad we have been looking at and he's a good footballer, but whether anything will come of it I don't know."
