Rangers officials jet to Norway and Cardiff City ‘hold talks’ as battle for Euro star takes twist

Cardiff City’s reported move for Jens Hjerto-Dahl has hit fresh competition after Rangers reportedly flew to Norway as the battle for the rising star intensifies

Tromso’s Jens Hjerto-Dahl(Image: YouTube)

Cardiff City’s reported pursuit of highly-rated Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl has taken another twist after Rangers officials are said to have travelled to Norway in an attempt to win the race to his signature.

The 20-year-old Norway Under-21 international this week emerged as a reported Cardiff transfer target, with the Championship club said to be working to reach an agreement with Tromso after seeing an initial £5.5million bid rejected, according to reports.

Sky Sports report that talks between Cardiff and Tromso are “progressing”, with the two clubs edging closer to an agreement despite that opening offer being knocked back earlier this week. However, personal terms would still need to be agreed if a deal is struck, with Hjerto-Dahl understood to be keen to consider all of his options.

That has left the door open for Rangers. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.

According to Norwegian outlet Nordlys, Rangers officials have now flown to Norway for talks with Tromso as they step up their pursuit of the midfielder.

The report claims discussions are at an advanced stage and that the Scottish giants are prepared to increase their offer to around £6.7million in an effort to convince Tromso to sell.

Reports earlier this week suggested Cardiff had moved into pole position after reopening negotiations with the Norwegian club, although Tromso are believed to be holding out for a huge fee closer to £8.5million. If that is the case, Cardiff are highly unlikely to pay.

Rangers will feel well-placed to secure the player’s signature and Hjerto-Dahl has previously admitted the prospect of moving to Ibrox is an exciting one.

Speaking after Rangers saw an earlier bid rejected, he said: “Of course it’s tempting to think about playing in an Old Firm match. It’s a big and very well-known local derby.

“I’ve watched clips from there and it looks like it’s a great match with great atmospheres in the stadiums.

“Of course you think about it. But when the bid is rejected, that’s how it is and then you just have to focus on what you’re going to be involved in at the weekend.”

Sky Sports adds that while Rangers have shown interest in Hjerto-Dahl, they have yet to submit an improved bid and are also progressing with a move for Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

Cardiff, meanwhile, have been slow in starting their transfer business this summer.

They have only signed Nathan Trott permanently after the goalkeeper impressed on loan last season, however supporters are desperate to see new additions, with the step up in class from League One meaning the Bluebirds will need some quality additions to complement their homegrown talent.

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