Liverpool & Derby reject Hudds bids – but record deal nears

Ashley Colbourn

Danny Ward: Sent off against Cardiff on Sunday

Liverpool have rejected an offer from Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town for goalkeeper Danny Ward, according to reports.

Ward, 23, spent last season on loan at the Terriers and was a hero as they claimed promotion through the play offs, saving Jordan Obita’s penalty which allowed Christopher Schindler to score the winning spot-kick.

He signed for Liverpool from Wrexham in 2012, and has since endured a number of loan spells. In 2015, the keeper signed a five-year deal at Anfield , keeping him at the club until 2020.

It is understood that Ward was keen on a return to the John Smith’s Stadium, with the Welshman expressing his gratitude to the West Yorkshire club through social media on Wednesday.

Ward will now have to return for pre-season training with Liverpool, and if he remains at the club is likely to be the third choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season, behind Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.

Meanwhile, Derby are reported to have rejected Huddersfield’s £7.2million bid for winger Thomas Ince.

The much-travelled forward – the son of former Manchester United star Paul – has scored 72 goals across 257 games.

 

Mooy deal close

aaron mooy huddersfield 2

In better news for Town, however, the club are closing in on a £8million club-record deal to sign Aaron Mooy from Manchester City.

The Australia midfielder spent last season on loan at the club and was the Terriers’ player of the year as they won promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

Town are in the advanced stages of a deal which will see them pay £8million for the 26-year-old with a further £2million in add-ons.

It would see them smash their previous transfer record set 12 months ago when they paid 1860 Munich £1.8million for defender Schindler.

Mooy made 51 appearances for Huddersfield last season, scoring four goals, and was also successful from the spot in the two play-off penalty shoot-outs which helped Town secure a return to the top flight for the first time in 45 years.

He has not, however, made an appearance for City since moving from sister club Melbourne City last summer, joining David Wagner’s side on loan shortly after arriving.