Cardiff City have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Hamburg midfielder, Lewis Holtby according to Sport Bild. 

The report also claims that Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Chicago Fire are just some of the teams interested in signing him over the summer.

In a recent interview (quotes sourced from Sport Bild), Holtby revealed that he was leaving the German club after five years, although he didn't reveal where his next move would be.

“After five intensive years at HSV, the signs are currently saying goodbye.

"I’m at the age where I am playing my best football and would like to be part of a great project again. We are currently in the active talks with relevant options."

It remains to be see as to who the frontrunner is to sign Holtby, although it is reported that his agent is in talks with Cardiff and the other clubs interested in signing him.

It wouldn't be the first spell he has had in England either, with the 28-year-old having spent three seasons with Tottenham Hotspur from 2012-2014 before leaving to join Hamburg.

If Holtby was to move to Cardiff, then he would come up against one of his former teams in Fulham, who he spent a season on loan with in the 2013/2014 season.

With Cardiff coming up against some teams that are competing in Europe, it seems difficult to see the Bluebirds being able to beat other clubs to sign him before the new season gets underway.

The Verdict: 

This would be a brilliant signing for the Bluebirds if they can pull this off.

Holtby might be past his best, but he would definitely be more than capable of playing to the standards required in the Championship next season.

It would be a real coup, and I think he'll feel as though he has unfinished business in England after a poor spell with Tottenham Hotspur earlier in his career.