Cardiff open to offers for midfielder Wintle

Ryan Wintle's future at Cardiff City is uncertain

Ryan Wintle has been left out of Cardiff City's squad who have left for their pre-season tour of Austria and the Bluebirds will listen to offers for the midfielder.

Wintle, 27, joined Cardiff in June 2021 from Crewe Alexandra. He was immediately loaned to Blackpool, but since January 2022 has been a regular in matchday squads.

Last season Wintle made 44 appearances and captained the team on a number of occasions. Only Greek defender Dimitrios Goutas, who started all 46 Championship games, played more often.

Although he signed a new three-year deal last August, Wintle is now no longer part of Erol Bulut’s plans for the new season as the Turkish boss looks to improve on a 12th-placed finish in the 2023-24 campaign.

Cardiff are seeking to strengthen their midfield this summer but would demand a fee for Wintle if there was interest in the player.

Alternatively, Wintle could be sent out on loan for the coming season.

Experienced defender Mahlon Romeo has also been left out of the squad who begin their Austria camp with a game against SV Hamburg on Sunday. Antigua and Barbuda full-back Romeo, 28, is remaining at home to improve his fitness.

Ryotaro Tsunoda is not in the travelling party as he recovers from a hamstring injury he picked up during a loan spell at KV Kortrijk last term.

Bulut has taken a 28-strong group to Austria which includes Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey and new recruits Chris Willock and Callum Chambers.

With the club seeking at least three more recruits, it is possible at least one other player could join the party over the next few days.

Also on the trip is teenager Ronan Kpakio, who impressed in Cardiff’s 7-1 friendly victory over Cymru Premier League side Penybont last Tuesday.

After playing Hamburg on Sunday, Cardiff will also have games against Mamelodi Sundowns on July 23 and Hertha Berlin two days later.

Cardiff tour squad: Jak Alnwick, Jack Dennis, Ethan Horvath, Joel Bagan, Callum Chambers, Kion Etete, Jamilu Collins, Dimitrios Goutas, Ronan Kpakio, Mark McGuinness, Perry Ng, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Joel Colwill, Rubin Colwill, Raheem Conte, Eli King, Joe Ralls, Aaron Ramsey, Andy Rinhomota, Manolis Siopis, David Turnbull, Cian Ashford, Isaak Davies, Yakou Meite, Callum O’Dowda, Callum Robinson, Ollie Tanner, Chris Willock.