Jens Hjerto-Dahl will reportedly stall his Tromso exit after Cardiff City began talks with the club amid interest from Rangers. The Welsh club have launched a big money bid and have kickstarted talks with Tromso.
Cardiff's increased offer
Cardiff entered the race for a deal last week as the Welsh side saw a £5.5million bid booted out but have now returned with a bumper offer. Norwegian outlet iTromso stated the offer tabled is worth more than 100m Norwegian kroner (£7.8million) when bonuses are included, with around 80m NOK (approximately £6.2million) up front. The offer has not yet been accepted, but the two clubs are now in talks over what would be a record sale for the Norwegian outfit.
Rangers' fading hopes and potential return
Record Sport revealed last week that the Light Blues' hopes of signing the playmaker are fading amid interest from the English Championship side, but the player appears keen to keep his options open. The 20-year-old previously named Rangers as his preferred destination, and the report notes that the decision will "ultimately be left to Hjerto-Dahl" over his next move. The midfielder is said to be "flattered" by the interest from Cardiff but wishes to have more time this summer to decide his future. He wants to "see what other opportunities might arise, should any other clubs meet the asking price" with Tromso rating the player at around £8.5million. It is also believed that Rangers could return with another bumper bid this summer, with the Glasgow giants having a £5.3million bid kicked out earlier this month.
UEFA eligibility concerns
Hjerto-Dahl is expected to feature for Tromso in Thursday's clash with FC Hradec Králové, which could also impact a move to Rangers over Cardiff. An appearance would see the Norway U21 cap ruled out of Derek McInnes' squad for the Europa League qualifiers. UEFA article 30.05 on Player eligibility states: “A player may not play in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League or UEFA Conference League for more than one club in a single season." He would be allowed to play in the league phase, should he join and Rangers progress.
Rangers' summer signings
McInnes will not be short on new faces when the European campaign rolls around. Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Cammy Devlin and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur are in the door, and Partizan Belgrade skipper Vanja Dragojevic will be the seventh fresh face to sign on when he completes a £4.6million switch from Serbia.
