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Cardiff City signing this 35-year-old veteran star for free would be an absolute coup by Neil Warnock

Cardiff City Opinion: Why the Bluebirds should snap up Glenn Whelan

According to a report from the Irish Sun, Glenn Whelan has rejected a move to Cyprus amidst interest from Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic.

The Republic of Ireland international, 35, was released by Aston Villa at the start of the summer despite impressing in the second half of their campaign as Dean Smith’s side achieved promotion to the Premier League, defeating Derby County in the playoff final.

It’s likely that staying in England will be key for Whelan if he is to continue his international career, which has been revived under Mick McCarthy over the past year. That being said, Cardiff City must do everything in their powers to win the race for the 35-year-old’s signature.

Cardiff have made a couple of signings in the summer transfer window as manager Neil Warnock looks to build a squad capable of bouncing back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Will Vaulks is an exciting midfield addition, with the versatile Welshman expected to make an instant impact for the Bluebirds.

But the club still needs a few reinforcements in the midfield department following the exit of Harry Arter and Aron Gunnarsson at the end of last season. Thus, it makes sense for Warnock to snap up free agent Whelan.

Prior to his move to Aston Villa in the summer of 2017, Whelan spent nine years with Stoke City, making almost 300 appearances for the Potters. He has solid experience of the English game and played a crucial role in Villa’s promotion to the Premier League.

Even at 35, the Republic of Ireland star can do a job or two for a Championship team and make an instant impact.

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Whelan’s pedigree and capability should come in handy for a Cardiff side expected to challenge for promotion at the first time of asking. Strong, tenacious and a real leader on the pitch, the ex-Stoke man would replace Gunnarsson at the heart of Cardiff’s midfield and fit Warnock’s style of play perfectly.

Verdict

Whelan could be a smart signing for the Bluebirds ahead of the new Championship season. If he can play his part and get the Welsh outfit back into the Premier League, then he’ll prove to be a massive coup.