That's Rubbish

The Conference club have received a transfer request from the player but Bees manager Martin Allen will only let the 23-year-old leave for an 'acceptable' offer.

At least one national newspaper has said that King has doubled his original offer in a bid to land Agogo.

The Town boss said: "I have heard and read rubbish about £70,000 being offered. I don't have that sort of money.

"My valuation of the boy (£35,000) is absolutely final."

But King could avoid the need to ask Sir Seton Wills for the Agogo cash if two days of trial matches at the County Ground produce a gem or two.

Released players from English and French clubs will be put through their paces as King looks to steal a march on his summer shopping.

He said: "It is a very, very difficult task. Everyone is looking for quality but there is no guarantee you are going to get it."

Four players gave themselves a headstart on today's triallists by enjoying a run-out for Town's reserves against Oxford United yesterday.

As well as an unnamed former Kaiserslautern midfielder and a non-League defender, King gave opportunities to Queens Park Rangers defender Danny Murphy and Colchester United midfielder Marc Canham.

King said: "I have spoken to all four players and thanked them for taking part.

"One might be coming back for the trial games. You have to be honest with them, there's no other way.

"As I keep saying, those I add to my squad have to be able to step into the first team at the drop of a hat."

The clash with the Kassam crew produced a 3-1 win for Town with goals from Jamie Cheeseman, Nathan Edwards and Mark Draycott proving decisive. Dexter Blackstock netted a late consolation for Oxford.

The match saw defender Adam Willis make his comeback from injury but it also proved to be his 'farewell' game in a Town shirt.

He said: "It's always sad to say goodbye but that's the nature of football. You move on. I take away some good memories from my time with the club although it's obviously disappointing to be released."