Groningen fail in Sparv bid

Swedish club Halmstads have rejected FC Groningen's attempts to sign midfielder Tim Sparv.

Midfielder staying with Halmstads

Swedish club Halmstads have rejected FC Groningen's attempts to sign midfielder Tim Sparv. The Finland Under 21 international has attracted a lot of interest following some impressive performances for his country over the summer. Groningen had identified Sparv as one of their top transfer targets and personal terms were already agreed with the player. However, Halmstads have made it clear that he will not be going anywhere during the current transfer window. "We have decided to not sell Tim Sparv yet," Halmstads chairman Ingemar Brostrom told Expressen. "We have had negotiations. Groningen were here to check the match on Monday and afterwards we talked. "But we feel we want to have another midfielder before we sell Tim Sparv." Groningen director Hans Nijland has described Halmstads' decision as 'a big disappointment', while the player himself remains hopeful a deal can be struck in the near future. "It would be truly fun to join Groningen," Sparv stated. "But I am satisfied to stay here, too."