Prem duo target Matthews

However Ridsdale insists Bluebirds are yet to receive bids

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 5th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Prem duo target Matthews

Matthews: Transfer target

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Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale admits that Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Adam Matthews but no bid has yet been lodged.

The Bluebirds chief expressed a desire to keep hold of the club's prized assets this month with manager Dave Jones eager to bolster his playing staff in January in a bid to sustain their promotion push.

The Championship side have a rich history in developing young players with the likes of Joe Ledley, Chris Gunter and Aaron Ramsey all coming through the ranks in recent years.

Like Ramsey before him, Matthews is held in high regard at the Cardiff City Stadium with the 17-year-old defender appearing 17 times, 14 of them starts, in the league so far this season.

The youngster's performances have not gone unnoticed and United and Arsenal look set to battle it out for Matthews just as they did for Ramsey 18 months ago, before he opted to sign for the Gunners

"We have had two or three enquiries and I know Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in the lad," Ridsdale told WalesOnline.

"But there is no agreement with any club, verbal or otherwise. We want Adam to stay with Cardiff and that's what we are hoping will happen.

Strengthen squad

"Our aim is to strengthen the squad and we are working on a list of players Dave Jones has provided.

"Hopefully, we can bring a new signing in this week, in time for the Blackpool match. That's what we are working towards.

"There have been verbal enquiries about two other Cardiff players, but no formal offers for anybody.

"We don't want to let any key players go."

However Cardiff have suffered a blow following news that possible loan target Fabian Delph will not be allowed to leave Aston Villa.