Cardiff City continue to pursue Tromsø midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl, but now face competition from Premier League newcomers Hull City. Meanwhile, youngster Trey George has left the club on loan.
Tromsø boss speaks out on Hjertø-Dahl interest
Tromsø head coach Jørgen Vik admitted he wishes the transfer window was already closed as speculation surrounds Hjertø-Dahl and team-mate Tobias Guddal. The Norwegian side face Hradec Králové in the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier on Thursday, with Hjertø-Dahl expected to feature despite uncertainty over his future.
Cardiff have already seen a sizeable offer worth more than 100 million NOK (around £7.8million) rejected. Tromsø issued a counter-offer, but the Bluebirds have not yet responded.
Speaking ahead of the match, Vik said: "To be completely honest, I'd rather the transfer window was closed and everything was more settled, if I could choose. 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."
On Hjertø-Dahl and Guddal, Vik 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 said he prefers to keep his best players but accepts factors beyond his control.
Hull City join transfer battle
Reports in Norway claim Hull City have registered firm interest in the 20-year-old, joining Cardiff, Besiktas and other clubs. The Bluebirds remain in the mix after lodging their second offer last week, but Hull's Premier League status gives them financial muscle.
Tromsø value Hjertø-Dahl at more than £8m and have shown no willingness to lower their demands. Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy has identified him as a priority target to strengthen midfield.
Trey George leaves on loan
Cardiff youngster Trey George has completed a loan move to League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers, reuniting with former Cardiff under-21 boss Darren Purse. Purse took charge at Sligo this week and has quickly moved to strengthen his squad, with the club bottom of the table with 11 games to go.
The 20-year-old winger signed a new contract earlier this summer before the temporary switch. George has made two senior appearances in the Vertu Trophy, scoring his only first-team goal in a 3-1 victory over Arsenal last November.
Purse said: "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. 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."
George added: "Darren's had a massive influence on my career so far. 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."
