Basketball: Leading clubs in rush to bolster squads

Manchester Giants, Chester Jets, Watford Royals and Crystal Palace are racing to beat tomorrow's Budweiser League transfer deadline to reinforce their squads for the last three months of the season.

Giants, whose heavily bankrolled squad have failed to deliver anything other then a struggle to reach the play-off quarter-finals, are chasing the American Steve McGlothin.

McGlothin, a 6ft 7in forward from Fresno, California, played for Derby Storm last season and has remained in the country despite losing his place in their line-up. McGlothin will be the eighth American signed by Giants this season and replaces Brian Rowsom, whose much trumpeted arrival from the NBA was followed by an abrupt departure two weeks ago.

Chester, competing with Giants and Leicester City Riders for the final play-off place, need to replace Sean Bell who dislocated a knee last month.

Watford's first league win of the season last weekend was sadly followed by Jimmy Ratliff's return to the States, while Palace have been trying to fill their remaining American slot for several weeks.

American Rich Aigner, who played for Leicester two years ago, has rejected an offer to replace Gene Waldron after he broke his leg in the cup final two weeks ago.

- Richard Taylor