McGuinness will only leave for right price - Bulut

Mark McGuinness impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the 2022-23 season

Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut admits centre-back Mark McGuinness could leave, but only if clubs meet the Bluebirds’ asking price.

Luton Town, relegated from the Premier League last season, are believed to be leading the chase for McGuinness, who Cardiff signed from Arsenal in 2021.

Whether the reportedly £10m-rated 23-year-old stays or goes, Bulut wants to make “two or three” signings to add to the five he has already made this summer.

“It is normal he [McGuinness] gets offers. Great player, great defender, only 23, he can add much more quality. It’s the reason clubs are interested in him,” said Bulut.

“But we have to get the value we are targeting, otherwise no player will move. Players signed new contracts. He still has three more years. Until he leaves he is still part of the Cardiff City family.

“We have the conversation with the board and they manage it, but they ask me too. We don’t have to panic. If the value comes in, then we can go on because we have to look forward if a transfer like this happens.”

One player who looks certain to leave is midfielder Ryan Wintle, who Bulut has previously confirmed will not be part of his plans this season despite featuring regularly last term.

“He has some offers,” said Bulut. “He's a good player. He's only 27, he wants to play football, every minute. I think in a short time he will find the way to continue his career. Not here, away from Cardiff.”

Cardiff target 'two or three' more signings

Cardiff have enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market so far, signing England international defender Calum Chambers, his former Aston Villa team-mate Anwar El Ghazi and ex-Queens Park Rangers forward Chris Willock for free.

They have also recruited midfielder Alex Robertson from Manchester City in a permanent deal, while Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Kanga has joined on a season-long loan from German Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin.

Bulut is eager to make further additions before the transfer window shuts on 30 August, with forwards a priority.

“We did really good things. The market is not easy, many teams were pushing for the same players. The board, recruitment, we got some players other teams were targeting,” Bulut added.

“Still we are not finished. We try to strengthen the team. Until the transfer market is finished, we try to get quality in for Cardiff City. Two or three players, there can be.

“When the market gets closer to the end it’s not easy, it gets tighter, fewer players on the market. We are focusing on players, we are negotiating. We also have players who get offers, let’s see what we can do.”