NEWPORT County’s player of the season Paul Bignot could be set to swap the Conference National for life in the Championship under former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson.
The ex-Kidderminster Harriers and Crewe Alexandra man has been a revelation for the Exiles in the past two-and-a-half seasons, prompting interest from several Championship and League One sides.
However, following a successful trial, the Argus understands that Bignot could be set for Leicester City and would move once a transfer fee is agreed.
County don’t want to lose one of their prized assets as they build for a promotion push in 2011/12, but at the same time don’t want to stand in Bignot’s way ahead of what will be a dream move.
The Exiles will, however, take advantage of the Argus player of the year being contracted to the club and will be seeking a record transfer fee that eclipses the close to six figure sum that saw Craig Reid depart for League Two play-off hopefuls Stevenage. No bid has been tabled yet, but Bignot’s agent met with Leicester representatives yesterday.
The Argus understands that Leicester scouted Bignot and assistant manager Derek Fazackerley also spoke to former County boss Dean Holdsworth, now at Aldershot.
“I must stress that nothing is concrete at this stage, we gave Paul permission for a trial and have been in regular contact with his agent,” director of football Tim Harris confirmed.
“Paul went up and by all accounts did very well, but at this stage we’ve not received any bids for him.
“We are not expecting anything imminently, but if or when the bid comes, we will negotiate to make sure the deal suits us, Leicester and, of course, Biggy himself.”
Manager Anthony Hudson confirmed he wouldn’t fight to keep Bignot with such a huge move possible.
“Paul is a fantastic player but if he’s got the chance to play Championship football, we’d never, ever want to deny him that,” he confirmed.
If Bignot is sold, the money can be used to help manager Hudson strengthen his ranks for next term.
He is currently continuing negotiations with several members of his squad with a view to keeping them at the club.
County are also identifying transfer targets in a bid to steal a march on their rivals.
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