Gary Medel 'played out of position' by Cardiff City - Andy Legg

Gary Medel joined Cardiff from Sevilla for £11m in August 2013

Former Cardiff City player Andy Legg believes Gary Medel was played out of position in the Bluebirds' midfield last season.

Medel, 26, starred in defence during the World Cup for Chile, who were knocked out by hosts Brazil.

"Gary Medel had a terrific World Cup playing in the back three," Legg said.

Legg also thinks it will be "very difficult" for Cardiff to retain Medel, recruited for a record £11m in August 2013.

Medel is believed to have a release clause in his contract triggered by the club's relegation to the Championship, although potential buyers would have to meet the Bluebirds' valuation.

"Obviously they would have stood a better chance if they had stayed in the Premiership but I think it's going to be difficult to keep him," said Legg.

Chairman Mehmet Dalman expects Cardiff will be approached this summer by clubs interested in the former Boca Juniors player.

Former club Sevilla and Turkish side Besiktas are among the clubs who have been linked with a move for Medel, who was outstanding for Chile at the World Cup and in their second round game against Brazil in particular.

Injury forced Medel off the field in extra time before Brazil won 3-2 on penalties, a defeat which reduced the man nicknamed El Pitbull to tears.

Legg, who spent five years at Cardiff, believes playing Medel in midfield may not be the best option, given the way he performed in defence for Chile.

"Looking at what he played like in the World Cup you would say [he played out of position for Cardiff], but we all know he can play that holding role in midfield," Legg said.

"He is a decent player at that as well. I think probably Gary could play anywhere. He reads the game well and he's proven that at the World Cup."