Southend United boss Steve Wignall has been thwarted in a free transfer bid for Cambridge hitman Omer Riza.
The Shrimpers chief had been tracking the 23-year-old, who blasted 17 goals last term, but rejected a new contract at the Abbey Stadium, for the past month.
But Wignall admitted defeat today following a call from the former Arsenal and West Ham youngster's father.
"Omer's dad rang me to say his son was very flattered by the offer we had made him, but he has agreed to sign for a top-flight Turkish club," he said.
"I'm upset because I'd put in a lot of work for this one, but I can't blame the lad as he will get a lot of money over there and has been offered a three-year contract.
"This highlights the sort of quality of player I want at Roots Hall and I've had to keep it hush-hush so as not to alert other clubs."
Wignall also revealed that 21-year-old winger Steven Clark was set to ink a new one-year contract this week.
"His agent has asked me to fax over the paper work and confirmed Clarky will sign within the next couple of days," he added.
Midfielder Stuart Thurgood and last season's 12-goal top-scorer, Mark Rawle, have yet to accept new 12 month deals.
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Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
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