Derby chairman of football Adam Pearson has revealed the club have pulled out of the race to sign unsettled Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde.The Rams have had two bids rejected for the 26-year-old and are reported to have tabled an improved offer of around £1.5million.

But Pearson has now accused the Swans of hiking up the price for the Dutchman, who is keen on a move to Pride Park, and refuses to be drawn into a bidding war with the likes of Middlesbrough also monitoring the situation.

"The goal-posts have moved - the price has gone up and we are not prepared to pay it," Pearson told the Derby Evening Telegraph.

"This is not acceptable. We will not be held to ransom. We have formally withdrawn our offer and will watch the situation. It is disappointing because negotiations have been going on for a long time. We felt a deal could be done and the player has said he wants to come to Derby County."

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