In Kevin heaven
Jason Avedissian
31 May 2008
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/200...89_sports.html
New Catalans boss makes Bell his first big name target
INCOMING Catalans coach Kevin Walters has targeted Manly centre Steven Bell as a priority signing.
Walters joined the French club last week and has already held initial talks with the former Maroons centre.
Bell is off contract at the Sea Eagles and could easily command more money playing in the English Super League.
Walters told The Manly Daily last night Bell still has plenty to offer and expects to secure him to a two-year contract over the coming weeks.
``We are very interested in him,'' the ex-Queensland and Australian five-eighth said.
``I have spoken to Steven but it's still early, we've only just started talks.''
Manly CEO Grant Mayer said he was aware of the interest in Bell from Catalans and indicated the Sea Eagles could only offer the 32-year-old a one-year deal.
``From what we understand it's (Catalans interest) a longer deal than we can offer,'' Mayer said. ``We'll see how it plays out in the coming weeks.''
Bell is not the only off-contract Sea Eagle commanding attention in Europe with veteran forward Steve Menzies linked to a radical move to Castleford at the end of the year. At 34, Menzies has been widely tipped to retire at the end of this season.
His manager Wayne Beavis yesterday refused to deny the English club was interested in his client.
``No comment, it's purely speculation,'' Beavis said. ``I don't know what he's doing at Manly yet. It's a matter for him to decide.''
The speculation saw Castleford post a statement on their website yesterday, refusing to be drawn on pursuing Menzies.
``We are in talks with overseas players with a view to signing for next year but there is nothing to announce at the moment,'' the bland statement read.
Hooker Matt Ballin is another Sea Eagle off contract. The 24-year-old is expected to commence discussions with Manly next week.
With Brisbane hooker Michael Ennis strongly tipped to join the Bulldogs in 2009, Ballin has been linked with a return to his junior club.
