ALAN Stubbs is set for peace talks that could finally settle his differences with Wanderers.

The transfer-listed defender is to meet Burnden chairman Gordon Hargreaves before the end of the week to thrash out the details of a new contract.

Stubbs' hopes of a big-money move were shattered eight weeks ago when his £4.5 million transfer to Blackburn dramatically collapsed.

Now the 24-year-old former England B defender, back in the side and holding down a key midfield role, says he wants to shelve thoughts of a move and concentrate on keeping Wanderers in the Premiership. His request for contract talks was warmly received by his Burnden Park bosses.

Stubbs sported the skipper's armband last night for the first time since being rested and transfer-listed in the wake of the Blackburn affair. He took over the captaincy when Mark Patterson was substituted after 63 minutes of the third round Coca Cola Cup clash with Leicester City.

Wanderers face a tough replay at Filbert Street on Wednesday, November 8. But manager Roy McFarland refused to accept they have missed the boat.

"We just didn't have the key to unlock the door but we are still in the hat and we will go there in a very positive frame of mind." he promised.

Wanderers remain hopeful of completing the formalities of the £1.5 million purchase of Partisan Belgrade's Yugoslav international midfield star Sasa Curcic in time for Monday's Sky TV showdown with Bruce Rioch's Arsenal. Curcic, who expects to receive a work permit within the next 24 hours, must be registered by noon on Friday if he is to face the Gunners.

Wanderers' official Travel Club, in conjunction with coach operators Shearings, is offering a special discount price of £4 to the first 200 members booking for the all-ticket Premiership derby at Manchester City on Saturday week.

The normal price of £6 will apply after the discount places have been exhausted. Wanderers say the offer is a 'one-off' for the derby game and is subject to availability.

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