It has been reported today that Nigel Cloughs major transfer target for January is in jeopardy after Notts County have turned down two bids for Ben Davies.

BBC Radio Nottingham broke the news today that Derby originally went in with an offer in the vicinity of £250,000 last week which was rejected.

Their information is that the Rams then went back for a second try with a larger bid, which has now also been given the thumbs down.

Paul Ince was incensed (pardon the pun) with the way Derby were going about their pursuit of his player and felt they would not improve by selling their best players. Perhaps Paul has got his way?

Whatever the case Ince was not a happy chap when he spoke to the media about the bid:

"They have made a bid, but you can't call it a bid. They need to go away and come back with something decent."

"Derby have to do one of two things. They have to come up with the money the chairman is happy with, or leave us alone and let us get on with our season."

"I spoke to Cloughie and I told him unless you are going to come up with what the chairman wants, there is no point making an offer. I told him to go to his chairman and tell him the situation and then they came back with a derisory offer."

"They haven't got any respect. They think because we're a lower club they can do what they want." 

Not a good start to negotiations. What made him so mad? Did they improve the offer by offering Dean Leacock as well? That would explain it! 

The Chairman of the club Ray Trew, reportedly threw the second bid back at Glick because he believes that the player is worth much, much more.

The 'Nottingham Post' spoke to Davies about the potential move and he seemed quite keen on the challenge if the move eventuates:

"I'm a Notts County player at the minute and while I am I will keep my head down and keep giving everything I can. I don't really know where I stand. I know a bid went in at the end of last week, but I had the Southampton game to focus on at the time."

"I don't really know what's going on behind the scenes, but maybe I'll know more in the next 24 hours. It's in the hands of Ray, Jim and the gaffer I suppose. I've sat down with my family, and I will have to see the gaffer and Jim and see what's happening because I'm in the dark."

"It might be out of my hands. It's obviously flattering they are interested in me, it's a tough one. I love it here, and I'm very happy. It's the happiest I have ever been at a club. At the same time, every footballer wants to better themselves, and play at a higher level. I think while Paul Ince remains at the club there is no reason why Notts can't do that."

"If you get a chance to go higher in any walk of life it does turn your head. But like I said I love it at Notts, I'm happy here."

If Nigel is placing all his Magpie eggs in one basket this could be a major blow for his bid to boost his playing stocks before the window closes.

As he tries to re-ignite the Rams season, the mid-field is an area that has been struggling especially as the likes of Bailey, are showing their inexperience at this level over a long term.

With the purse strings tied tightly it is hard to see Nigel being given much more to pursue the player. He may need to start looking elsewhere and time is running out.

We can only hope he gets the backing of the board to get it right rather than settle for third of fourth choice loan signings.

Photo: Action Images

pkay_brum added 12:29 - Jan 19 Ince ought to grow up and shut up. If Davies wants to move, and the Notts board get an acceptable offer, then he will get sold. I think it's called the transfer market! Why can't Derby just go out and loan or buy Michael Tonge? Proven at our level, and at our club, and it suits the short-termism of the current Derby regime.
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