Reports this morning are claiming that Town are to triple Richard Wright's wages in order to get him to commit to the club beyond the end of next season.

Town's England keeper looks likely to leave the club over the summer unless he signs a new deal. Wright is thought to be earning something around the £6,000 a week mark with this rumoured wage hike making him Town's highest paid player by far.

Elsewhere, however, Town chairman David Sheepshanks is quoted as saying: "I talked to Richard in Malta before the start of Euro 2000 and I know he wants to play for us in the Premiership, but we are not prepared to break our wage structure. I am still hopeful that he will sign but, if not, he will be sold."

I reckon it may be well worth a bet on Keith Branagan starting the season as Town's number one.

The new Premiership deal looks to be excellent news for Town. From the beginning of next season there will be even more money in the kitty for Premiership clubs and there is an advance of £120 million to be shared out.

Even if Town go down the parachute payments will ensure we will be far better off than those relegated in previous years. Howard Wells, Town's Chief Executive said: "It's fair to say that we can plan ahead with increased confidence".

Town's deal with Vitesse Arnhem for Martijn Reuser includes an extra £250,000 if Town stay in the Premiership. Town have negotiated similar deals in the past with Sheffield Wednesday for Jim Magilton, De Graafschap for Fabian Wilnis and with Huddersfield for Marcus Stewart, all of which have required payment. Hurrah!

Bjorn Otto Bragstad might not be Town's only Norwegian interest it is being claimed in some quarters. The Rosenborg player is interesting Town and Derby and is likely to cost either club nearly £2 million.

Derby have put in an offer for the 29-year-old defender at around the £1 million mark, but French club St Etienne have offered £1.5 million.

But Andre Bergdolmo, Bragstad's team-mate at both internatinal and domestic level may also be a player interesting Town. Another defender, Bergdolmo is 28 and has again also interested Derby who have put in an £850,000 offer.

A Rosenborg spokesperson said: "There has been interest in Mr Bergdolmo as well, but his situation may depend on what happens with Mr Bragstad. We are not looking to sell our entire team."

I suspect it's Bragstad or nothing...

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