Speculation over the whereabouts of the striker, who netted 24 times in 2004/5, has linked Holt with the newly-promoted Shrimpers, despite the best efforts of manager Steve Tilson to dampen speculation. The 38-year-old Southend legend told the Southend Evening Echo on Friday, “We will take our time to make sure whoever we get is the kind of player we need”, but with the release of Tesfaye Bramble, Tilson is undoubtedly on the look-out for another striker.
The 24-year-old would fit the description well, with the Carlisle-born forward's disciplinary record – which saw him receive sixteen yellow cards in 2004/5 – the only question mark over his credentials to play at a higher level. However, Blues would face stiff competition in order to capture Holt, with Swansea City and Sheffield United still reputedly interested in signing the former Sheffield Wednesday player.
Yeovil Town have decided not to pursue their own interest, though, after having a bid turned down by the Lancastrians. Glovers gaffer Gary Johnson told the Western Daily Press, “We did make an offer, a substantial offer, which was rejected. Unless Rochdale reconsider that offer we will turn our sights to other targets.”
Fellow promoted side Swansea are still believed to be interested, having had two separate bids rejected themselves. In February, the Swans tabled a £75,000 offer for the former Workington and Halifax Town man, and they have stepped up their approach in the summer according to our sister site, www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk. ‘Dale are keen to keep hold of their star striker as they bid to win promotion from the fourth tier of English football, and despite the youngster still having a year to run on his current deal, have offered improved terms.
Tilson will have some money to spend after the Shrimpers' promotion to League One in last weekend's dramatic play-off final against Lincoln City, but it may not stretch to securing Holt and two or three other targets that the former Canvey Island captain sees as essential in order to succeed at a higher level.
Should Holt prove too large a target for the Shrimpers boss, he may switch his attentions back to Morecambe front man Michael Twiss. The ex-Manchester United reserve team player-of-the-year was the subject of polite enquiries from Blues after a £50,000 bid from the 27-year-old's former club Chester City was turned down.
At the time, it was revealed that only a six-figure sum would lure the north-westerner, who scored 27 times for the coastal club in the Nationwide Conference last season, away from Morecambe, but although the striking sensation still has two years left on his current deal, a persistent bid from a League One club may be too much to turn down.
Robert Craven