Cardiff make fresh Noone bid

Carling Cup finalists closing on deal for Brighton winger

Last Updated: January 29, 2012 4:59pm

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Craig Noone: Brighton & Hove Albion winger has been the subject of an improved bid from Cardiff

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Sky Sports sources understand Cardiff City have made an improved bid for Craig Noone and are close to agreeing a deal for the Brighton & Hove Albion winger.

Brighton rejected an offer, reported to be in the region of £450,000, for Noone earlier this month and manager Gus Poyet has been bracing himself for a fresh bid.

Poyet revealed at the time of turning down Cardiff's opening gambit that the Carling Cup finalists would have to up their offer for Noone.

It is understood that the Bluebirds have now increased their offer and hope to finalise a move for the 24-year-old before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Noone joined the Seagulls from Plymouth Argyle 12 months ago and he has impressed at the AMEX Stadium this season since the club's promotion to the Championship.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay is keen to improve his wide options and had also shown an interest in Blackpool's in-form winger Matt Phillips.