Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield was a target for clubs last summer

By Clive Lindsay

Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield is having talks with Huddersfield about a transfer to the League One club.

Bairns managing director George Craig told BBC Scotland: "We have given them permission to talk to Scott.

"A number of clubs have expressed an interest and Huddersfield have followed that up, we have had some discussions and they are ahead of the game."

Southampton had expressed an interest in January, while Hibernian and Hearts have also been linked with Arfield.

Falkirk appear resigned to losing the 21-year-old, who signed a five-year contract in 2008, after suffering relegation from the Scottish Premier League.

Huddersfield manager Lee Clark has confirmed that the Scotland Under-21 has impressed him this season but declined to comment about what is likely to be a £400,000 transfer rising by another £100,000 depending on appearances.

Other clubs have asked to be kept informed Falkirk chief executive George Craig

And Craig stressed that it was not inevitable that the midfielder would end up with the club hoping to progress to the promotion play-off final and who travel to Millwall on Tuesday after a goal-less first leg.

Indeed, the Falkirk managing director insisted that it was "pure coincidence" that Arfield was in the Huddersfield area on holiday when the English club followed up their interest.

"Other clubs have asked to be kept informed," said Craig of the player who has made more than 100 appearances for the Bairns since 2007.

"It is not just about the two clubs agreeing a fee. It is a big decision for Scott and it has got to be the right club for him."

However, it is likely that Arfield will undergo a medical in Huddersfield, with Craig saying that the two clubs were "not too far away" from agreeing a fee for the midfielder.

Negotiations are due to resume after Huddersfield face Millwall on Tuesday.

Arfield was a target for Hamilton Accies and Hibs last summer, but Falkirk rejected bids of £100,000 and £300,000 respectively for the product of their youth academy.

Now, though, it seems certain that the midfielder will be playing in English football next season, with SPL clubs unable to compete with the amounts being offered south of the Border.

Falkirk have already released eight players after their demotion to Division One was confirmed by a final-day draw with Kilmarnock.

Even so, Craig believes that they have a "good nucleus" of a squad and that they would be looking to add players rather than lose any more during the summer.

The Bairns have already stressed that they would be looking for the full market value for any player before they were allowed to leave Falkirk Stadium.

BBC Scotland understands that it is unlikely that the club would listen to offers for winger Ryan Flynn or defender Brian McLean as manager Steven Pressley is keen to retain the core of his side.

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