Peter Ridsdale is as hopeful of ever of tying Joe Ledley to a new contract at Cardiff City Football Club.

Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City have been heavily linked with the Bluebirds winger, but the chairman of the Championship club hopes to persuade the Welsh youngster to sign a new contract.

"Joe is mixed in his emotions,” said Ridsdale. “He wants to play in the Premier League and I don't blame him for that. It's the only place to be and I am desperate to get Cardiff City there.

"I have put to Joe Ledley a four-year contract which probably, as near as damn it, doubles his wages and does have an escape clause if a Premier League club comes in with the right offer.

"If Cardiff City are in the Premier League that clause would be null and void. If we weren't that clause would stand. We have not had a response from Joe yet but I am told he is happy to talk."

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