The Latics are hoping to make goalkeeper Lee Grant's current load spell into a permanent move to Boundary Park. Grant is on load from Derby County and his form has been a big part of Athletic's climb up the league into a play-off spot. The big keeper has only conceded six goals in 10 games and is so impressed with the set up at Boundary Park that he is prepared to stay even if the team do not get promoted.Grant has another year on his contract with Derby and is on good wages so the Rams may ask for a transfer fee even though he is third in line for the first team keepers spot. Grant said, “I've made it clear that I'm enjoying myself with Oldham and would be more than happy to stay. There's a lot of water to go under the bridge first, but it would be great if all the parties could sort something out for next year. Coming here in the first place was important to me because I'd gone stale at Derby and needed a change for the sake of my career. Oldham gave me the opportunity to play some games, so hopefully I can repay the gaffer by helping us win promotion. I'm pleased with the way things are going. My performances have been okay and I've been able to gel with the team. When it comes to signing, it doesn't matter which division we're in, I just don't want to go back to Derby and find myself in the same position as before.”
If Athletic cannot financially swing the deal they may opt for a long-term loan deal for the 23 year old who lost out to England under-21 international, Lee Camp. The team lost to Port Vale on his debut but he went on to kept five consecutive clean sheets. He went on, “It was a nice feeling to get the five clean sheets, but I should have started off with six. I made a mistake which cost us against Port Vale, and that's something I can hold up my hands to. Our run was only broken by an own goal at Rotherham, then Hartlepool needed a deflection to stop us keeping another clean sheet. I'm nothing like the finished article because there are aspects of my game which can tighten up, but the more I play, the better I should perform.”
