TRANMERE Rovers Chairman Frank Corfe made it clear yesterday that 19-year-old goalkeeping sensation Steve Simonsen is not for sale.

The England Under-21 'keeper, who arrived at Prenton Park after being discarded by Nottingham Forest, has been the subject of much speculation regarding a five million pounds move to Sunderland.

But Mr Corfe said yesterday: "Every player has a price and that is why we valued him at five million pounds. That is our valuation of the player's worth, but let me make it quite clear - Steve Simonsen is not up for sale."

Mr Corfe confirmed, too, that there had been no new developments regarding the possible return to Prenton Park of Ged Brannan, who has been released by Manchester City manager Joe Royle.

Brannan, who left Rovers for Maine Road in a 750,000 pounds transfer only 15 months ago, is known to favour a move back to Wirral. "We have not heard either from the player or his agent," said Mr Corfe. "But I know that Ged would like to return to Prenton Park."

One stumbling block could be the player's personal terms and it is almost certain that he would have to lower his sights, financially, in order to facilitate a return to the club where he learned his trade.

The troublesome Prenton Park pitch is looking good again after being re-laid.

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