Cardiff City’s pursuit of Jens Hjertø-Dahl continues to dominate the club’s transfer agenda, with the Tromsø midfielder once again at the centre of attention ahead of a crucial European fixture.
The Bluebirds remain locked in negotiations over the highly-rated Norway under-21 international, but fresh competition has now emerged from the Premier League, while there has also been movement on the outgoing front as another youngster heads out on loan.
Here’s the latest from Cardiff City’s transfer diary.
Tromsø boss speaks out on Hjertø-Dahl interest
Tromsø head coach Jørgen Vik has admitted he wishes the transfer window was already closed as speculation surrounding Hjertø-Dahl and team-mate Tobias Guddal continues to intensify.
The Norwegian side face Hradec Králové in the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier on Thursday evening, with Hjertø-Dahl expected to feature despite ongoing uncertainty over his future.
Cardiff have already seen a sizeable offer worth more than 100 million NOK (around £7.8million) rejected, with Tromsø issuing a counter-offer to the Bluebirds, who have not yet responded with their answer.
Speaking ahead of the match, Vik acknowledged the constant transfer speculation but backed his players to remain focused.
“To be completely honest, I’d rather the transfer window was closed and everything was more settled, if I could choose,” he told iTromso.
“But this is the reality. It’s not the first time we’ve been in this situation, even if there’s perhaps more activity this summer than in previous years. We just have to deal with it.”
When asked specifically about Hjertø-Dahl and Guddal, the Tromsø boss added: “Those two boys are very mentally strong. They live in the moment and stay focused on the here and now. I think that helps enormously.”
Vik also admitted he has made it clear internally that he would prefer to keep his best players, but accepts there are factors beyond his control.
“I don’t find it difficult to say what I think,” he added. “I have a good dialogue with the people I work with, but it’s also about being adaptable.
“I know I don’t control everything, so I have to deal with that.”
Hull City join transfer battle
Cardiff now face another rival in the race for Hjertø-Dahl after Premier League newcomers Hull City reportedly having entered the chase for the midfielder.
Reports in Norway claim Hull have registered firm interest in the 20-year-old, joining Cardiff, Besiktas and several other clubs monitoring his situation.
The Bluebirds remain firmly in the mix after lodging their second offer last week, but Hull’s promotion to the Premier League inevitably gives them considerable financial muscle should they decide to pursue a deal. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Tromsø are understood to value Hjertø-Dahl at more than £8m and have shown no willingness to lower their demands despite sustained interest from a number of clubs.
Cardiff’s admiration for the midfielder has been well documented throughout the summer, with Brian Barry-Murphy identifying him as a priority target as he looks to strengthen his midfield before the Championship campaign gets fully under way.
Whether Hull’s arrival accelerates matters remains to be seen, but competition for one of Norway’s brightest young talents is only increasing.
Trey George leaves on loan
Meanwhile, Cardiff youngster Trey George has completed a loan move to League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers, where he will reunite with former Bluebirds under-21 boss Darren Purse.
Purse this week took charge at Sligo but has moved quickly to strengthen his squad, with the club sitting bottom of the table with just 11 games to go, making George his second addition following the arrival of Jack Shorrock on loan from Port Vale.
The 20-year-old winger signed a new contract with Cardiff earlier this summer before sealing the temporary switch, which is expected to provide him with regular senior football over the next few months. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
George has been a regular for Cardiff’s under-21s and has made two senior appearances in the Vertu Trophy. His only first-team goal came in a 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the competition last November.
“Trey’s a real top lad and I believe he’s a top player as well. You look at the impact he’s had over the past few years at Cardiff at the levels he’s played at. There’s huge potential there,” Purse said.
“But he needs time to develop and Cardiff have given him that time as they believe he has plenty to offer.
“If you look at his physical profile, he’s not the biggest but he’s got massive heart. Nobody will run farther than him and he’s versatile and adaptable in the way he plays the game.
“He’s an exceptional little footballer. I’ve worked with him for the last four years and he’s someone who will adapt well to the way we want to play.”
The move represents his first spell away from the Welsh capital and offers the former Wales under-19 international an opportunity to continue his development with consistent first-team minutes.
“Darren’s had a massive influence on my career so far”, George added.
“He was heavily involved in me getting my first professional contract so we know each other very well and I know how he does things.
“He’s a great coach and is very honest in the way he goes about things, so I jumped at the chance to get to work with him again.
“I’m learning as much as I can about the league before I get stuck in.
“The Premier Division seems very competitive and a good place for young players to get going. I’ve been told it’s tough and not to expect any easy games so I’m looking forward to getting some experience while I’m here and helping the team get out of the bottom few spots of the table.
“We want to turn performances into wins as quickly as we can as we know as a group that there isn’t that much time left.”
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