Ludogorets are ‘doing everything possible’ to keep hold of Kiril Despodov as West Bromwich Albion express an interest, as reported by Sardinian publication Centro Trentuno.
After producing nine assists in 16 games during a loan spell at Ludogorets last season – firing The Eagles to domestic glory along the way – the dominant force of Bulgarian football would jump at the chance to tie Despodov down to a permanent deal.
Doing so, however, may be easier said than done.
Despite suffering relegation back to the Championship at the first time of asking, West Brom boast the kind of financial might Ludogorets simply cannot match.
With the Telegraph reporting in May that the Baggies have identified Despodov as a key part of their rebuilding project at The Hawthorns, Ludogorets will know, deep down, that the 24-year-old winger has probably played his final game in their forest green shirt.
“We are doing everything possible to keep Despodov,” said sporting director Georgi Karamandjukov.
“We are happy with the attitude he had in the locker room during all the time he was with us. He too got used to us.”
It is understood that Despodov would like to extend his stay at Ludogorets. Whether he will be given such an opportunity, however, seems unlikely.
According to Centro Trentuno, his parent club, Cagliari, are refusing to cancel Despodov’s contract despite an ongoing dispute over alleged unpaid wages.
The Serie A outfit paid £4 million to sign the forward from CSKA Sofia and they would obviously prefer to recoup most, if not all, of that investment.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
