DECISION TIME FOR NEW CONTRACTS
Aron Gunnarsson and Junior Hoilett have both been offered new Cardiff City contracts with a decision expected on their futures by the end of the week – although Greg Halford has been released by the club.
Neil Warnock has given the duo days to decide whether they want to feature for the Bluebirds in the Premier League.
Uncertainty had surrounded the pair for a number of weeks with Gunnarsson, in particular, linked with a move away from south Wales.
Warnock had previously said the Icelandic international — who is currently working on his fitness for the upcoming World Cup — would leave Cardiff if they failed to win promotion.
But having steered the Bluebirds to the Premier League Warnock is now hopeful Gunnarsson will extend his seven-year stay.
The Ice Man only played 20 times for Cardiff in a 2017/18 season blighted by injuries; while Hoilett played a starring role on the left wing, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.
Cardiff would love both players to sign new deals as Warnock looks to keep the bulk of his promotionwinning squad together. Others such as Sol Bamba, Sean Morrison and Joe Ralls have already been tied down for the future.
The veteran boss wants five or six new players to supplement a tight-knit group with the aim of surviving in the top flight.
But one player who has been released is utility man Halford – though he could actually be re-signed by Cardiff as both parties assess their options over the summer.
Warnock is a big fan of Halford’s versatility and the 33-year-old could yet play for Cardiff again.
The former Sunderland, Wolves and Nottingham Forest midfielder featured under Warnock at Rotherham and became one of the Yorkshireman’s first signings when he arrived at Cardiff City Stadium in January 2017.
He played 16 times in all competitions last season, scoring in the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Portsmouth in August, his only Bluebirds goal.
The club are expected to make an official announcement on their retained list next month with others such as Ben Wilson and Ibrahim Meite unlikely to be handed new contracts.