Whittingham ready to sign?

The end of the concerns over the future of Peter Whittingham is nigh according to the South Wales Echo. The midfield will be out of contract at the end of the season and could then do a ‘Ledley’ and walk away free at the end of the season.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones and the club had to fight off strong interest in their player mainly from Nottingham Forest and Burnley both hoping to take advantage of Cardiff’s financial position. There were talks at one stage of £3million offers but Jones told the press the standard ‘If a silly offer was made, we would have to consider it’ but he wanted to keep is squad together. Last season Whittingham was top club goal scorer and the Championship but yet to get off the mark this season.

In the Echo he said:

“We are sorting out contract terms and will be signing soon.

“And I’m relieved to be signing after all the talk about other clubs.”

Since joining the Bluebirds in a £350,000 deal for Aston Villa in January 2007 he has been near enough a regular in Dave Jones plans, but for the odd time he has been injured.

Willingham is one of a number of players who will be out of contract in the summer, Jay Bothroyd, Steve McPhail, Gavin Rae, Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews all need to resign if they are offered new deals. So far only full-back Kevin McNaughton has sign for beyond this season.

Boss Dave Jones reported comment in the Echo was:

“Kevin has signed, while we are close with Whittingham, Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews.

“We have spoken to Jay’s representatives and it’s the same with Stephen McPhail.”

The Malaysians have backed their manager with cash to spend on wages as he hit the loans market and this season no trip to Scotland but he brought in five Premiership players. It’s a pity that three are currently on the injury list and doubtful one way or another for the Millwall mid-day clash Cardiff City Stadium Saturday.