Championship side Cardiff City have no intention of letting teenager Rubin Colwill leave the Welsh capital during the summer, according to yesterday's report from Wales Online.
The 19-year-old has been a shining light during what has been a downbeat campaign for the Bluebirds, who will be glad to have secured their second-tier safety but disappointed they won't be able to finish in a lower mid-table position.
Making his first-team breakthrough last season, he has now established himself as a key player for Steve Morison's men this term, making 31 league appearances during the 2021/22 campaign and scoring five goals in the process.
He was also able to get on the scoresheet at Anfield in the FA Cup against Liverpool earlier this calendar year, summing up what has been a very promising season for the midfielder who has played, on the wing, in an advanced midfield position and up top.
With this and the fact he has already made four appearances for the Wales senior team, he isn't likely to be short of interest when the next transfer window comes around.
Signing a contract last August to extend his stay at the Cardiff City Stadium to keep him at the club until 2024 though, the second-tier side hold the upper hand in negotiations with sides for his services in the summer and aren't prepared to let him go unless a particularly lucrative offer is received.
The Verdict:
Considering they are likely to lose many of their current first-teamers on the expiration of their loan deals and contracts this summer, Cardiff need to focus on retaining some of their assets and this is why it would make sense to keep hold of the Welshman.
The likes of Colwill and Isaak Davies have stepped up to the plate well this season and others could potentially join them next term with current boss Morison having the experience of coaching the Under-23s before taking the step up to the senior team.
However, if the financial situation is as bad as Mehmet Dalman made out last October, then it may be worth cashing in on the teenager whilst they can generate a respectable fee for his services.
He may be worth much less in 12 months if he doesn't sign another contract because of the possibility of other sides winning his signature for a potentially small compensation fee in 2024.
The sale of Kieffer Moore may have stabilised the Bluebirds though in terms of providing them with the funds needed to push ahead, so it will be interesting to see who comes and who goes.
At this stage, it doesn't look as though the 19-year-old will be leaving and that's probably a good thing for the teenager who will get plenty of game time again next season if he can remain fit and in form.