Huddersfield Town are reported to have knocked back a bid from Championship rivals Middlesbrough for midfielder Adam Clayton.
But sources suggest the Teessiders could come in with an improved offer for the 25-year-old.
Boro boss Aitor Karanka is believed to be keen on Clayton, who won Town’s Player of the Season award and has a year to go on his current contract.
The former Manchester City and Leeds man was the subject of a rejected £1m bid from Brighton last January.
He has made 94 Town appearances since being signed from Leeds for £350,000 two years ago.
Clayton has scored 11 Town goals, including the Championship survival-clinching winner at Yeovil in April.
Fans' favourite Clayton also raised thousands for the Town Foundation by dyeing his trademark beard blue and white.
It’s been suggested Boro could offer a player as part of any deal for Clayton, who could leave on a free this time next year.
Sierra Leone frontman Kei Kamara and midfielder Jacob Butterfield, who played under Town manager Mark Robins at Barnsley, have been mentioned.
But it’s suggested the reported test-the-water offer for Clayton was for straight money.
Spaniard Karanka isn’t short of midfield options, with Grant Leadbitter, Dean Whitehead and Richard Smallwood, all in the Clayton mould, already on the books.
It’s been reported they have rejected a bid for Smallwood from newly-promoted Rotherham, where the 23-year-old had a loan stint last season.
Clayton is back in pre-season training with Town and due to go on next week’s training trip to Portugal.
Why Huddersfield Town's best transfer business this summer could be keeping hold of Adam Clayton - click to read
Could Butterfield signing appease Huddersfield Town fans if Clayton departs - click here to see
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