Cardiff City remain locked in talks over a deal for Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl, with club owner Vincent Tan taking a close interest in negotiations over what would represent one of the biggest signings of the Bluebirds' summer.
Priority Target for Barry-Murphy
The 20-year-old Tromsø star has emerged as one of Brian Barry-Murphy's priority transfer targets and WalesOnline understands Cardiff remain in a strong position as discussions continue. Cardiff sources have indicated that there is growing optimism behind the scenes that they are firmly in the race for one of Norway's brightest young talents, even though no agreement has yet been reached.
Cardiff have deliberately kept a low profile throughout the process, preferring to conduct negotiations away from the spotlight despite intense speculation from Scotland surrounding Rangers' interest. As Rangers speculation was ramped up, Hjertø-Dahl's comments to Nordlys piqued the interest: “There is a lot of speculation at the moment, people are shooting from the hip a bit and think they know what is happening. We will see what happens in the end.”
Financial Commitment Required
Any move is expected to require a significant financial commitment, with numbers ranging from £5.5m to £8.5m having been touted in recent days. Cardiff are understood to be discussing a package worth well into the millions, with Tromsø holding out for a fee close to their valuation after rejecting earlier interest this summer. The Bluebirds are one of several clubs to have explored a move, although Rangers' long-standing pursuit appears to have cooled in recent days following progress on other midfield targets.
The transfer would represent a major statement of intent from Cardiff following their promotion back to the Championship, with Tan closely monitoring developments and remaining fully engaged as the club looks to back Barry-Murphy in the market. Tan and Barry-Murphy are said to have enjoyed a positive working relationship throughout the Irishman's first season in charge, but it is said that connection only grew closer when the manager visited the Bluebirds owner in Malaysia.
Tan's Continued Support
The Malaysian business tycoon has maintained regular dialogue with senior figures at the club throughout the summer and is understood to be supportive of ambitious recruitment plans, despite suggestions in some quarters that his interest has waned. Should this multi-million-pound deal come off, those suggestions will surely be extinguished. Cardiff believe there is still plenty of business to be done before the transfer window closes, with strengthening at left-back, central midfield, on the wing and in attack remaining the priorities identified by Barry-Murphy.
Player's Form and Appeal
Hjertø-Dahl has done little to cool the growing excitement surrounding him. The midfielder enhanced his reputation again at the weekend by scoring a spectacular long-range strike in Tromsø's victory over HamKam, taking his tally to seven league goals for the season and moving him level at the top of the Eliteserien scoring charts. That continues a remarkable campaign for a player who has already established himself as one of the Norwegian league's standout performers despite still being only 20.
As WalesOnline reported last week, Norwegian journalist Lars Eidissen believes much of the speculation surrounding the player has been exaggerated, but maintains Cardiff's interest is genuine. Reports in Norway suggested Rangers had an initial offer of around £5.5million rejected before Cardiff entered the picture with a larger proposal. Tromsø are believed to value Hjertø-Dahl at around 100 million Norwegian kroner (£7.7million), although there is thought to be room for negotiation.
UK Move Preferred
The player's apparent preference for a move to the UK could also work in Cardiff's favour. Hjertø-Dahl turned down a move to Turkish side Besiktas earlier this year despite the clubs agreeing a fee, while those close to the situation believe both Rangers and the Championship appeal more strongly to the midfielder. With more than 100 senior appearances already under his belt, Hjertø-Dahl is regarded as one of Norway's most exciting prospects. Comfortable as a holding midfielder but equally effective driving forward from midfield, his blend of physicality, athleticism and eye for goal has made him one of the hottest properties in Scandinavian football.
Cardiff remain hopeful they can persuade him that south Wales is the right next step in his career, with negotiations continuing over a deal that would underline the club's ambition ahead of their Championship return.
