Bluebirds open talks over a new deal for Ken

KENNETH Zohore has opened talks over a new deal at Cardiff City as Neil Warnock steps up his summer rebuilding at the Bluebirds.

And he has confirmed he expects Junior Hoilett to stay at the club as he prepares to put plans in place for his bid to make Cardiff a promotion challenger next term.

Warnock says he has opened talks with a string of players about potential longer stays in South Wales, while also continuing negotiations with those who see their contracts expire this summer.

But the news of tying down 11-goal Zohore – whose superb form in the second-half of the season has left fans excited about his growing potential – comes as a real boost.

The Danish star still has two years left to run on his current contract, having signed permanently from Belgian outfit KV Kortrijk last summer.

But, speaking ahead of tonight’s final home game of the season against Newcastle, manager Warnock has revealed he has begun discussions over fresh terms with the 23-year-old striker – as well as others in his squad.

It forms part of the next phase of Warnock’s squad shaping for next season with the veteran boss ready to spell out the futures of a number of stars over the next seven days.

“I’ve spoken to Kenneth a few times in the last few weeks – and a few other lads,” Warnock said. “At the right time hopefully, we’ll announce a few others that are extending their contracts.”

Bruno Manga is not expected to be one of those, the centre-back seeing his current deal expire at the end of the season but Warnock having already admitted he fears he will not persuade him out of a potentially-lucrative Bosman move overseas.

Warnock planned to meet with the Gabon international’s representatives yesterday afternoon, but said: “They’re flying in to meet me, but I only want to talk to him to find out if there is an opportunity of him staying. I know Bruno is happy here, it depends if there are offers from abroad.”

Warnock, though, believes that Junior Hoilett will pen a fresh deal having impressed enough since arriving as a free agent just after the arrival of the Yorkshireman to replace Paul Trollope in October, saying he has “no worries” about the wideman and that “he’ll be here next year.”

And there was hope from Warnock that he will also get Kadeem Harris to commit after previously suggesting there had been deadlock in talks over the winger’s future as he also sees his deal expire.

“We’ve had discussions, quite healthy ones,” Warnock revealed. “I think he’s improved under me, and become more of a regular. The opportunity is there for him to try and establish himself.

“He’s had a few years of him not being able to command a position. The opportunity is there for him to decide. I think it’s in his best interests to stay if I’m honest and to play for someone who will give him an opportunity.”

Warnock, though, added nothing had changed regarding the situation of Peter Whittingham, meaning the midfielder could potentially be playing in his final home match as a Cardiff City man following more than a decade of service in the blue shirt.

The Bluebirds chief expects a fullyfit side to face the Toon, with goalkeeper Allan McGregor back in training after missing last weekend’s goalless draw at Wigan through injury.

And he has admitted he would love to spoil the party for Rafa Benitez with a home win – albeit in front of a sizeable away support – that would hand the title to Brighton, a team he has long described as the best in the division.

“It’s all building up now until the end of the season and thankfully I don’t have to worry about anything other than next season,” Warnock added. “We just have pride at stake, but we need to put a good performance on in front of the TV cameras. With Newcastle coming it’s a game that whets the appetite.

“It will be a good crowd and the Geordies will be coming to celebrate – but hopefully we can put one over on them. I was delighted they won on Monday because it adds more spice to our game. That’s what I was hoping for really.

“I think Brighton have had the best team, but Newcastle have the strongest and biggest squad, and it’s a blessing they are going up because you don’t want them in the Championship for too long.”

Newcastle have been in the headlines following a shock raid on their training ground and St James’ Park Stadium which is being linked with investigations by HMRC.

But Warnock insisted: “I don’t think the players will give two hoots if I’m honest, I think they will just be getting on with their own performance. I’m sure they’d like a chance to win the league, but that’s why it promises to be such a good game. I know our lads are really looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to seeing how Ken goes against the centre-halves and a few other battles.”