By David Parsons
Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut says he is not surprised Luton Town are interested in ex-Arsenal defender Mark McGuinness.
The Bluebirds want around £10m for the central defender – who still has three years left to run on his contract.
However, Bulut admits every player has a price as the Hatters look to further bolster their squad in their quest to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
“It is normal he (McGuinness) gets offers. He’s a great player, a great defender. Only 23,” Bulut said.
“He can add much more quality. It’s the reason clubs are interested in him.
“But we have to get the value we are targeting. Otherwise no player will move.
“He still has three more years on his contract. Until he leaves he is still part of the Cardiff City family.”
BREAKING EROL BULUT UPDATES CARDIFF CITY FANS 08/08/2024
Linkhttps://t.co/dXk0ODHBwI pic.twitter.com/BpMz96vA9E— Annis Abraham (@AnnisAbraham) August 8, 2024
McGuinness missed Cardiff’s final pre-season friendly against Bristol Rovers due to what the club described as a minor knock.
He was among the Bluebirds’ best performers last term as they finished 12th – a season after the club narrowly avoided relegation into League One.
Bulut has already brought in former England international Calum Chambers this summer, casting further doubt over McGuinness’ position at the club.
“We have had the conversation with the board and they’ll manage it,” added Bulut.
“We don’t have to panic. If the value comes in, then we can go on because we have to look forward if a transfer like this happens.”
Aaron Ramsey believes he has given himself the chance to play a central role for Cardiff City this season as Erol Bulut’s side target a campaign they “can all remember” ⚽#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 6, 2024
As Cardiff get ready to face Sunderland in their Championship opener on Saturday, Wales star Aaron Ramsey did not go on holiday this summer to bolster his hopes of being fit for the season.
The former Arsenal, Juventus, Rangers and Nice ace made just seven starts for boyhood club Cardiff during what was an injury-hit 2023-24 campaign.
However, he has been a prominent figure in pre-season and scored a stunning 25-yard drive as Cardiff ended their summer schedule with a 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers.
And Bulut hopes Ramsey’s efforts on the training ground during the summer will pay off as the Bluebirds bid to challenge for a top six place in the Championship.
“First of all – Aaron, he had a hard summer,” said Bulut.
“He didn’t go for holidays. He wanted to prepare himself for this season to have more games for Cardiff.
“I hope for him to be more on the field, longer on the field than last season, to be healthy for this season.”
Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut is happy with how his squad is looking as the new season gets underway ⚽️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ASiRMuskWe
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 8, 2024
Ramsey flew out of the traps after returning to south Wales a year ago – scoring three goals in his first six games for Cardiff before injuries struck.
Speaking ahead of his side’s opener at Cardiff City Stadium, Ramsey admitted he hopes the upcoming season can be a special one for the capital outfit.
“I have worked extremely hard, I have given myself a good base and a good platform,” said Ramsey.
“Hopefully I can sustain that and play a big role this season. I am raring to go.
“Hopefully we have a great season and one we can all remember.”
Aaron Ramsey drops 'Arsenal way' hint amid Cardiff City change as he overcomes 'freak injury' frustration https://t.co/kchts3oPDu pic.twitter.com/nphHNl0uTJ
— Cardiff City Online (@CardiffCityLive) August 4, 2024
