According to the Daily Mail, Cardiff City have re-opened talks over a deal for reported Derby County and Nottingham Forest target Perry Ng.
The Crewe Alexandra captain has been heavily linked with a Championship move.
TEAMtalk last February claimed Derby, Forest, Birmingham City and Bristol City were all interested in signing the versatile defender who shone at League Two level.
But the club pushing hardest for his signature this month is Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds initially launched a £250,000 offer for the versatile defender, prompting Crewe boss David Artell to brand the offer ‘disgusting’ when asked about the situation.
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He was quoted as saying by Wales Online:
I think we have responded (to the offer), but it didn’t warrant a response, it was disgusting. It came about through an agent who is trying to force a deal. He’s not working for us because we don’t pay agents. He’s trying to get a deal going, but he’s miles away – between here and Mars to be honest.
But now the Daily Mail claim Cardiff have gone back in for Ng, having failed to persuade Wolverhampton Wanderers to loan them defender Dion Sanderson.
Ng has plenty of potential. The 24-year-old has featured both at fullback and as a central defender for Crewe, making 15 League One appearances this season.
Forest made numerous signings last summer. While they have a packed squad, the Reds could still be on the lookout for reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline.
Chris Hughton’s side, however, may prioritise another attacker.
Derby, meanwhile, have cause to strengthen their defence. Mike te Wierik is on the verge of returning to Holland, while Curtis Davies is out injured long-term.
Matt Clarke, Andre Wisdom and Nathan Byrne have been regulars for Derby. But an injury to either play could leave the Rams in a spot of bother going forward.
Ng would represent a cheap, versatile option. However, Derby are seemingly unlikely to make any additions until their takeover is complete, leaving Cardiff in pole position.
Also see: Ex-Derby skipper in talks to join Championship club, 15 months after Rams exit
Also see: Defender Derby wanted in 2020 reportedly set to join league rivals; £750k bid accepted