Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has admitted that he has given up hope of signing French international Etienne Capoue this summer.
Mackay had a bid of around £9.5m accepted for the midfielder by Toulouse earlier this summer, but that offer has now been matched by Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Bluebirds boss has conceded that Spurs look likely to land Capoue, but remains confident of strengthening his squad before the transfer window closes.
He told Sky Sports News: "We had a bid accepted but it looks as if he has decided, as far as I am aware, to go to Tottenham. It looks like it will go that way.
"With the targets we want invariably there is also competition or clubs don't want to sell. We signed five in the last week of the window last year and we have brought in around 25 players to the club over the last two years, so we are well versed in the mechanics of how this works and the patience you sometimes have to have.
"Sometimes things happen quickly, like the Steven Caulker deal, other times it can be more protracted. We have some plates spinning at the moment, if it will take until September 2, then that is what it will take."
Toulouse president Olivier Sadran has confirmed that he expects Capoue to join Spurs this month.
Liam Power
