Cardiff City's Whitts AttractsTop Flight Suiters

Cardiff City are braced for further interest in key midfielder Peter Whittingham with Premiership side West Brom having entered the race - reportedly with a £4m bid. Championship promotion favourites West Ham have already tested the water, but were instantly rebuffed with a £3m offer.

A move to the Premiership would surely be more tempting for the player himself, who already has experience at the top level with former club Aston Villa. However, he is clearly happy at Cardiff City and would not find another club likely to build the sytem around him - as Malky Mackay has done. As a midfield playmaker, he is simply excellent - but there would always be concerns over him playing as part of a central midfield pairing due to his physique and style.

£4m is serious money, but still far from his true value. Although he would certainly have a price, his importance to Cardiff City cannot be underestimated and whilst we could bring in new faces with any cash received - none would be able to fill the massive void left by Whitts` departure and we`d likely need to adapt the style that is currently working well. A bid of £5m would be tempting, equalling the fees received for Michael Chopra (Sunderland) and Roger Johnson (Birmingham City). Nevertheless, Malky Mackay has made it clear he is not for sale - and the interests of Ray Ransom`s bizarre loan deal, agreed under the Ridsdale tenure, also clouds the waters.

West Brom, West Ham and Fulham are known to be keen - but whilst all are looking to strengthen, none have massive reserves of cash. Cardiff City fans will be hoping tat the mercurial midfielder remains at CCS and continues to prove his worth and value with his excellent Bluebirds form.

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