Latics admit Hughes fear

Interest mounting in striker

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Latics admit Hughes fear

Hughes: Release clause

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Oldham will be forced to part with Lee Hughes during the January transfer window if his £400,000 release clause is met.

The 32-year-old striker has scored nine goals in 16 appearances for the Latics this season and has drawn admiring glances from a host of Championship clubs.

Second-tier strugglers Doncaster are believed to head the queue for his services, with Oldham chairman Alan Hardy admitting there is little he can do to prevent the former West Brom man from leaving Boundary Park.

"It looks like clubs are now aware of his release clause," Hardy told the Manchester Evening News.

Hughes' current contract is set to expire in the summer, so Oldham are wary of missing out on the opportunity to demand a fee for a player they could ultimately lose for nothing.

The League One outfit are keen to hold onto a man they rescued from footballing obscurity following a spell in prison for dangerous driving, but will not stand his way should a suitable offer materialise.

Meanwhile, Oldham have confirmed that teenage midfielder Aaron Chalmers has had his registration with the club cancelled following a breach of discipline.