McCall gives up on Furman
Bantams boss accepts defeat over midfielder
Stuart McCall has accepted defeat in his bid to bring Dean Furman to Bradford on a permanent deal.
The midfielder won the fans' affections after a season-long loan from Rangers, but the Bantams boss admits that the chances of signing him this summer look slim.
The 21-year-old played 33 times last season for the League Two club, scoring four goals in the process, but the South African has attracted interest from clubs at a highers level.
The Gers youngster is said to be on the verge of joining a League One side, with Oldham hotly tipped as his most likely destination.
"We've been very good with Deano and he's been terrific for us," McCall told the Telegraph & Argus.
"I know he loved his time here and would like to come back but, in fairness, he wants to play at the highest level possible.
"As much as we've done everything we can to get him back, I think he'll be joining a League One club if they can come up with the (compensation) money that Rangers are looking for.
Disappointment
"We've waited a little while to try to get him and I'm disappointed but I can see that he wants to play at a higher level if the chance is there."
If the Bantams do fail to capture Furman it will be the second time this summer that McCall has lost out on one his top targets after another loanee from last term, Nicky Law, opted to join Rotherham United.
Now McCall must turn his attention to shipping players out as he looks to reduce the wage bill in preparation for new players coming in.
However, the Scot has revealed that he has received no offers for high earners Graeme Lee, Michael Boulding and Paul McLaren.
"I've not heard anything otherwise," he added. "There are a lot of players out there in the market these days and everyone knows that, apart from a few clubs, finances are cut.
"Whether anyone can match their wages, and whether the lads want to go to these clubs, we'll have to wait and see.
"At the moment I expect to see the lads back for pre-season and we'll take it from there. It's a difficult position."
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