Plymouth Herald
Peter Reid keen to keep Onsimor Bhasera despite Championship interest
Onsimor Bhasera
PLYMOUTH Argyle left-back Onismor Bhasera is a target for two Championship clubs.
The Pilgrims have turned down an undisclosed offer for the 24-year-old Zimbabwe international from Crystal Palace.
And Queens Park Rangers are also thought to be taking an interest in Bhasera, who only signed for Argyle in March.
Manager Peter Reid has been impressed by Bhasera during pre-season, especially when he has been moved onto the left-side of midfield, and does not want him to leave Home Park.
But Reid admitted there could come a point where the cash-strapped Pilgrims would have to accept a bid for Bhasera.
Argyle are set to add another left-back to their squad, with Reid offering a five-month contract to trialist Lee Molyneux.
The 21-year-old was released by Southampton in May and has been training with the Pilgrims since the start of last week.
Reid has even hinted he could play Molyneux at left-back against Southampton when Argyle start their League One campaign at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.
That scenario would see Bhasera play on the left-side of midfield.
Molyneux's imminent signing would seem to end Argyle's interest in Tony Capaldi, who told Herald Sport yesterday he was keen on making a return to his former club.
Capaldi, 28, trained with the Pilgrims earlier this pre-season, before starting a trial with Palace.
However, a proposed move to Palace collapsed and now the south London club have turned their attention to Bhasera.
Reid said: "It's true we have had a bid from Palace, which we have turned down. I haven't heard anything about QPR.
"He's a good player but, hey, Manchester United didn't want to sell (Cristiano) Ronaldo. In certain circumstances, you have to do it.
"In an ideal world, I wouldn't have sold (Ashley) Barnes but we had to move things around. Everyone has their price.
"But Bhasera has certainly impressed me with his attitude, and I think that pushed on position suits him.
"He has got energy, he has got a lovely left foot and can knock crosses in. I'm delighted he's our player.
"But I don't get worried about things like this. I take it as a compliment, people wanting players, as long as you can keep hold of them."
Bhasera completed a protracted move to Argyle as a free agent at the end of March.
He had impressed while on trial with the Pilgrims, but they had to make a successful appeal for him to be granted a work permit before a deal could be concluded.
Bhasera made his debut in a 0-0 draw with Barnsley at Home Park on March 30, only hours after flying into the UK from South Africa.
He ended up starting seven games for Argyle last season as they were relegated from the Championship.
Molyneux was a substitute in the Pilgrims' 1-0 win at Hereford United last Wednesday and then started the 1-1 draw away to Queens Park Rangers only 48 hours later.
Reid said: "I think I'm going to give a deal to Lee Molyneux. I have been very impressed with him, so I think he has earned that.
"He has got a chance of playing against his old club."
Molyneux signed for Southampton from Everton in January 2009, and started four matches in his first month at St Mary's, but he did not play again for the Saints.
He fell out of favour after Alan Pardew took over Southampton manager in July 2009, and would be desperate to impress should he get selected by Reid on Saturday.
Reid said: "It's always nice playing against your old club, but you have got to do your job for your new club and not get too emotionally involved.
"He's quick, he's naturally left-footed and he gives me a chance to put Bas in front as well. I think those two can interact.
"A couple of times against QPR he got beyond people, and while his delivery wasn't great he hasn't had a pre-season. He has just been with us.
"So I think there is more to come from the boy."
Reid will not be pursuing any further interest in Stephane Zubar, who played at right-back in the first half against QPR.
But American right-back Laurent Manuel and Norwich City midfielder Owain Tudur Jones both remain on trial.
Both played in Argyle's 8-0 victory over Saltash United at Kimberley Stadium on Monday.
Manuel was included in the Pilgrims' squad for the club's official photocall at Home Park yesterday.
Tudur Jones, a Wales international, scored one of the goals against Saltash.
Reid said: "He cruised through the game and looked a decent player. We are going to have a look at him for a week or so."
Meanwhile, Argyle winger Yannick Bolasie had a scan yesterday on the ankle he injured against Saltash.
Bolasie, 21, was sent on as a substitute at the start of the second half but had to be taken off in the 69th minute.
Reid said: "He was very sore yesterday morning and was a bit down.
"I wasn't going to play him as well, but I just wanted to give him another 45 minutes. It always happens like that, so I was kicking myself more than anything."
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