JEREL IFIL is poised to become a permanent member of Andy King's squad, with Town having made an official bid for the young Watford defender.

The Evening Advertiser understands that the Hornets are favourably disposed towards the five-figure offer, although another Division Two club is also thought to be keen to secure Ifil's services.

Watford turned down an approach from Town last autumn but a negative response this time looks unlikely.

Town's bid falls short of the £75,000 offered by Wycombe Wanderers, an approach rejected by the man known as 'the beast', but the First Division side do not appear interested in starting a bidding war.

Ifil has already enjoyed three loan spells at the County Ground and earlier this month said of a permanent switch to Wiltshire 'if I do have to move, it would be a good move for me.'

The defender's arrival would strengthen Andy King's options and add some extra pace at the back.

Chief executive Mark Devlin has spoken to Watford's chairman about Ifil on a couple of occasions in the last two weeks.

And although he was not prepared to comment on whether a bid had been made at this stage, it is clear there is a strong desire to pursue the deal.

Devlin said: "Jerel had a significant impact during his spells here and is a player that Andy rates very highly."

While there is a strong likelihood that Ifil will be heading for pre-season training at Wanborough next month, it is by no means certain whether Tommy Mooney will be joining him.

Bristol City have confirmed their interest in the 20-goal striker but Devlin has made it clear that Mooney has been offered the best deal the County Ground coffers can stretch to.

He said: "The offer we have made Tommy, and I'm not keen to negotiate by the media, is the best possible financial one we feel we can put to him.

"We would love Tommy to stay. We know he's a fans' favourite and it would be very easy under those circumstances for us to pay him more than we can afford, but that's just a repeat of what we used to do.

"I very much hope Tommy will want to look at the situation, stay around and be part of what we hope will be a push for promotion next year.

"Tommy is very aware that we've gone as far as we can.

"He has had a great impact, we'd love him to stay but it's got to be affordable from the club's point of view.

"We have also to build and add to the squad wherever possible and that's the juggling act we're trying to achieve at this football club."

However, Devlin rejects any suggestion that the lack of progress indicates that the club is not keen to retain the player's services.

He said: "Anyone suggesting that we're not bothered about keeping Tommy couldn't be further from the truth."