EXILE of the year Paul Bignot will clinch a dream move to Championship outfit Blackpool today as County begin to plan for life without their star man.

The Argus revealed on Tuesday that Bignot had become a shock target for the Tangerines, relegated from the Premier League last term only after a final game defeat at Old Trafford.

The Exiles thought they had won the battle to keep their star defender after a proposed move to Championship moneybags Leicester City fell through, but it is understood a host of clubs have kept a close eye on England C man Bignot.

Among them is Coventry City, near Bignot’s Midlands home, but it is Blackpool boss Ian Holloway who made the decisive move.

Both Holloway and Seasiders chairman Karl Oyston have contacted director of football Tim Harris this week and Bignot played 45 minutes for Blackpool on Wednesday in a 2-0 friendly defeat against Glasgow Rangers.

The brother of former pro Marcus did enough to impress and it is understood that a financial agreement has been reached between the two clubs.

County will receive a ‘sizeable’ down payment and will also benefit from appearance related incentives down the line.

The deal isn’t signed and sealed, but County bosses are expecting to make an announcement within the next 24 hours.

While County are loathed to be seen as a selling club, or indeed to lose one of their top assets, they know that stopping a full-time professional from playing at such a high level would be counterproductive.

“It just wouldn’t be fair on Paul, he has been fantastic for us for two seasons and now it looks as if he is going to be playing Championship football, it’s great for him and it’s great for the club,” a County spokesman said.

However, one player not likely to be moving in the near future is midfielder Danny Rose, despite interestf rom Conference rivals Luton.

The Argus understands that while at this stage Luton have merely asked about his availability and haven’t actually made an offer, County would be vehemently opposed to weakening their side at and strengthening a rival.

No Football League clubs have enquired about Rose and County boss Hudson wants to keep him at Spytty Park.