Blues Trail Scarlets Pair

Transfer News
By Andrew Collins
January 7 2006

The Blues have reported they are in contract negotiations with 2 members of the Scarletts playing squad. New Welsh center, Matthew Watkins and full back Barry Davies are both on the Blues wanted list in time for next years campaign.

The duo who have also been offered contracts by their currently emloyers are said to be flattered by the intrest being shown in them.

Of the two, Davies is the more likely to be changing colours come next season. The full back has found life hard at Strday with the arrival of Lee Bryne, and first team oppertunities have been hard to come by. Davies already lives in Cardiff, by Mike Phillips, and is said to be fed up with commuting to Llanelli.

Watkins lives in Newport and is also said to be fed up with the journey time. However, with his recent rise to Wales stardom, he may be harder to persuade given his flouring partnership with Kiwi Regan King.

Having said that, a potential partnership with Lions centre Tom Shanklin may be hard to resist.

Scarletts cheif executive, Stuar Gallacher, confirmed the intrest from the capital,

"When you have players coming out of contract they will attract attention from other teams. They are quality players and we are aware of the interest. They have to weigh up whether playing for a team like the Blues is preferable to playing with the Scarlets, and the other issues involved around contracts."

The Blues are keen to offload a number of their playing squad come the end of the season, and a move for the duo would signal the end for Tristan Davies, Matthew Nuthall and perhaps Lee Thomas.

It's likely a decision will be may early January.