Bradford City appear resigned to missing out on Georgie Kelly after suggesting he has already agreed a deal elsewhere.
The League Two club were keen to sign last season’s top scorer in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
But they faced competition from a host of English clubs - notably League One promotion hopefuls Rotherham - and Scottish sides, like Dundee and Ross County.
Danish and Dutch clubs are also in the mix for the former Bohemians star.
Aarhus, where former Liverpool defender Stig Inge Bjørnebye is Sporting Director, and Sparta Rotterdam have been linked.
Yesterday, Bradford City boss Derek Adams confirmed he was in a battle with Rotherham to sign an Irish player.
But without naming Kelly, he told BBC West Yorkshire today: “The player we were going to go for has decided to join another club.
“I don’t know which club that is but he has got a very good offer and decided to go there. We have missed out on players but that is the nature of every transfer window.
“I’m still working on it and hopeful of getting another signing in before Saturday’s game and we’re just waiting for the other club to give the go ahead.”
Rotherham boss Paul Warne confirmed that he had spoken to Kelly - but then claimed he already has enough strikers,
Warne said: “I know the Irish league has finished, I know he is a free transfer and I know he has been linked with loads of clubs because every single club is looking for a striker.
“That’s it really. I don't intend to sign a striker this window, but with other things going on I might need to. As things stand I have got my four strikers.
“There is no Georgie Kelly in the building at the moment. It could change if I lose a striker then I need to get one but at the moment that isn't happening.”
Meanwhile, Mark Hughes has signed a new deal with Drogheda United
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