Frontrunners Derby County have left the door wide ajar to their Championship rivals after manager Phillip Cocu claimed a deal to sign Liverpool winger Harry Wilson on loan is "very unlikely".
Wales international Wilson, 23, is a target for a glut of Championship clubs, including Swansea City, Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers and, of course, Derby.
It was thought that Derby were among the favourites to secure the player's signature before Friday's 5pm deadline, given the 23-year-old enjoyed a stellar loan spell there under Frank Lampard just two years ago.
However, in a fresh twist on Thursday afternoon, Rams boss Phillip Cocu has poured cold water over the club's chances of bringing him back to Pride Park on loan this season.
"First of all, he is a great player, fantastic left foot, can play on the wing or as a striker but I think it will be very complicated to get him in the circumstances we are in at the moment at the club," Cocu said. "I don't think that will happen.
"It would be great if we had the luxury. Unfortunately, we don't and that is why it is very unlikely at this stage. Maybe things will change, and maybe it can be different, but at this time and the situation, it is very unlikely."
It appears to be a huge flashpoint in this multi-club battle between several Championship rivals.
Derby were considered favourites, given the player has enjoyed success there, while Swansea City were thought to be among the favoured destinations, too, given the manner in which they handled Rhian Brewster's loan last term.
However, it has been reported that Liverpool have turned down Swansea's approach for the Welshman, while Derby now seemed to have all but ruled out a deal for Wilson.
Nottingham Forest are thought to have submitted their loan bid, too, but nothing appears to have progressed beyond that point.
WalesOnline understands that Wilson is certainly part of Neil Harris' conversations at Cardiff City, with the manager keen on bringing in at least one attacking player before the domestic deadlines comes to pass at 5pm on Friday afternoon.
