Cardiff City rivalling Rangers for midfielder transfer as blockbuster £5m+ bid tabled | OneFootball

The Bluebirds have reportedly bid big for the Norway under-21 midfielder.

Cardiff City are preparing for their return to the Championship and much will hinge on how they conduct their transfer business this summer.

The Bluebirds were promoted in second behind runaway leaders Lincoln City with their success built on Brian Barry-Murphy's young and energetic side.

Cardiff have already raided Scandinavia for talent, bringing in goalkeeper Nathan Trott on a permanent deal from Danish giants FC Copenhagen, having spent last season on loan in the Welsh capital.

Now, Cardiff are rivalling Scottish giants Rangers for an up and coming Norwegian talent, and it seems they are willing to splash the cash on the midfielder.

Cardiff City bid big for Jens Hjerto-Dahl as Rangers circle

The summer transfer window can often be tricky to navigate as clubs across Europe compete for the same players to strengthen their respective sides.

Going abroad for players is often a fruitful method, particularly as it means clubs can acquire lesser-known talent for reduced fees rather than paying overinflated prices for homegrown quality.

Norwegian outlet iTromso have claimed that Cardiff are tussling with Rangers, Besiktas and also clubs in Germany for Tromso IL star Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

The publication reports that the Bluebirds have failed with a bid that is substantially higher than the £5.3million it was claimed Rangers were prepared to offer.

Contrary to reports that the Gers had submitted a bid for the Norway under-21 international, SunSport understands that no formal offer has been submitted.

Hjerto-Dahl currently has three years remaining on his current deal, having signed a contract extension with Tromso IL in early February.

Who is Tromso IL star Jens Hjerto-Dahl?

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Hjerto-Dahl is one of the brightest prospects in Norwegian football and has 28 international caps to his name at youth level from under-16s to under-21 level.

The 20-year-old has already made over 100 appearances for his hometown club, having risen through the ranks to become an integral first-team player.

At 6ft 4in, Hjerto-Dahl is an imposing central midfielder and plays as a box-to-box number eight, although he is also comfortable operating as a number six.

The Norwegian has an impressive record in front of goal and has already bagged six goals and two assists in the Eliteserien this season, with his side leading the way in the top flight.

He also possesses several characteristics that would help him thrive in the Championship, including ball carrying, composure in possession and physicality.

Whether Cardiff City would be willing to go much higher than the reported fee being thrown around remains to be seen, but in Hjerto-Dahl they would be signing a player with vast potential and the ability to make an immediate impact.