Palace warn Spurs over starlet
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 16 May 2008
Crystal Palace are prepared to take Tottenham to a tribunal if they do not get what they deem an appropriate fee for their young star John Bostock.
The 16-year-old midfielder is all set to complete a switch across London to The Lilywhites after turning down The Eagles’ offer of a professional contract in favour of signing for Spurs.
Neil Warnock admitted defeat in attempting to keep hold of Bostock following Palace’s play-off defeat at the hands of Bristol City earlier in the week, but the club will not let the matter lie until they gain suitable recompense for his services.
“The sensible approach is for our chairman to speak to them directly but if the figures can't be negotiated we will go to tribunal and our evidence is fabulous,” Palace assistant boss Mick Jones told the South London Press.
“The situation has now gone from personal warmth to being a business one and John has been with the club since the age of seven, in the first team at 15 and been captain of England Under-17s. That is proof of the potential he's got.
“There is also no dispute he's gone to one of the top clubs in the world and that is also relevant. With all due respect, if he was moving to Wigan it would be a different ball game.
“They must rate him highly and he can't come cheap. It should all stack up well in our favour.”
Bostock made his debut for the Championship side last October at the tender age of 15, and has featured five times in total for the club in his breakthrough season.