Swansea Laugh But Derby County Determined

The bid for the midfielder who cost the Swans a fraction of that figure last season was rejected out of hand by the Swans with no second thought given to cashing in on the Dutchman.  Speaking on the official site, Swans Chairman Huw Jenkins said

"I can confirm that we have received a bid for Ferrie,'' explained Swans chairman Huw Jenkins. "I can also confirm that it has been rejected.

"The offer is laughable, especially for a player who is not for sale anyway.

"Having just won promotion to the Championship, our aim is to strengthen our squad and compete, not let our best players go on the cheap.''

The club also revealed that the add-ons would be a further £250,000 payment if the Rams made an immediate return to the Premiership.

However, Adam Pearson, Jenkins' counterpart at Pride Park was refusing to give up on the deal and was confident that a conclusion could be reached.  "That will not put us off, we're intent on pursuing it until we have a successful conclusion." he told BBC Sport

"He is a player we have been watching for a long time and I know the manager Paul Jewell sees him as an important signing.

"He is a target that is uppermost in our thoughts. It might take time but we hope we'll be able to secure him."

This appears to be a saga that could run for a little while as yet.