Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has admitted that his side are finding it "very difficult" to agree a deal for Nantes striker Emiliano Sala.

Warnock travelled to France to watch the 28-year-old in action earlier this month after prioritising a new number nine for the second half of the season.

The veteran boss has revealed that an initial fee was agreed between Cardiff and Nantes, but the French side are holding out for a higher cash sum amid possible interest from other Premier League clubs.

"It's very difficult," Warnock told reporters. "I thought we agreed a fee with a club but then they came back with another couple of million.

"If he's coming over, it won't be for £20m. He was one of the players [we are looking at]. I expect to bring two or three but it may not be our first choices. I'm not going to have a gun put to my head."

Fulham and Crystal Palace are also believed to be in the running to sign Sala.