Report: Hoffenheim lead race for Marton Dardai
Germany's preeminent sporting publication reports that TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have been the most proactive club in attempts to sign Hertha defender and Germany U21 international Marton Dardai.
Pal Dardai's 20-year-old son has many suitors amongst Bundesliga clubs. Michael Pfeifer of German footballing magazine Kicker reports that Hoffenheim are leading the race to sign the young defender. Pfeifer suggests that there has already been concrete discussions between the two clubs.
The Kraichgauer find themselves in desperate need to restock their defensive corps. The departure of Chris Richards, Florian Grillitsch, Havard Nordtveit, as well as the decline of 32-year-old captain Benjamin Hübner leave the ranks depleted.
The TSG were rumored to have lobbied hard to bring in German national team defender Matthias Ginter before the 28-year-old opted to return to his old club, SC Freiburg. The loss of that target reportedly has Alexander Rosen and the club administrative team eager to sew up a new signing soon.
Pfeifer reports that negotiations will be put on ice through the final Bundesliga matchday. The left-footed Dardai--with a estimated market value of €5 million--could prove a valuable asset to just about any top-tier side.