Rangers and their long-standing pursuit of Norwegian midfield prodigy Jens Hjerto-Dahl face a stern test, with Danny Rohl and Red Bull Salzburg entering the bidding alongside another EFL Championship club.
The 20-year-old Tromso IL star has been a top target for Ibrox chiefs this summer, with the player handing Light Blues supporters a significant boost by admitting he is tempted by a move to Ibrox.
However, that preference will now be tested as major European heavyweights and EFL Championship rivals step out from ‘watching the reeds’ to launch firm moves.
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Regional Norwegian newspaper Nordlys reports that Championship side Cardiff City, who had been driving negotiations with a total budget proposal exceeding 100million NOK (£7.8million), have seen their approach countered.
While Tromso and Cardiff remain in dialogue, there is a feeling that the two clubs could reach an agreement over a fee soon.
Meanwhile, Salzburg and another unnamed Championship club have emerged as serious contenders to match the Bluebirds’ bid.
Rohl, who left Ibrox earlier this summer to take charge at Red Bull Salzburg, presents a formidable threat.
Salzburg’s track record of developing elite talent, including Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai, Sadio Mane and Benjamin Sesko, offers a well-trodden pathway to top European leagues.
A second Championship club have now stepped into the picture to challenge Cardiff, adding further English market pressure to Tromso’s valuation.
Both Salzburg and English Championship suitors possess the financial capacity to meet or exceed Tromso’s asking price.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord have also registered interest in the Norwegian, although the Dutch giants are not as advanced as the others.
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Rangers News stance: Time for Gers to step away
Rangers received a massive boost in their pursuit of Hjerto-Dahl when he publicly admitted that he is tempted by the prospect of moving to Ibrox over Besiktas.
However, with at least two Championship clubs, Salzburg and Feyenoord now in the mix, the Gers may have lost that advantage already.
Salzburg and Feyenoord have a reputation for offering pathways to top European leagues for up and coming players, and it is understandable if Hjerto-Dahl is tempted by them.
Similarly, Cardiff or any other Championship club could offer him a direct shot at playing Premier League football next season.
Therefore, it is best that Andrew Cavenagh and Co. end their interest in Hjerto-Dahl now.
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