It has been made public that the Latics top scorer Lee Hughes can leave Athletic for £400,000 during next month's transfer window. The revelation follows a disclosure in his contract which allows a release clause which let him quit Boundary Park if any club comes up with the minimum offer. Speculation is rife that Doncaster Rovers are prepared to stump up the funds but the question is "Is Lee prepared to leave Athletic to join an almost relegation doomed Doncaster" - but more importantly - "Is Lee going to shun the team that gave him a second chance to resurrect his career?"Alan Hardy admitted, "It could well be the case that Doncaster are interested in Lee, and I suppose a lot of clubs should be because he's a good player. We wouldn't want to sell any of our good players while we are challenging for promotion, but it looks like clubs have been made aware of the release clause in Lee's contract."
The whole situation leaves Athletic in a quandry, as Hughes could wait until his deal runs out next summer and then walk away as a free agent. Hughes is settled in the Oldham area and has the chance of realising promotion with the Latics but will the lure of finances influence any decision on his future. Lee - do the right thing!