Cardiff City are prepared to listen to offers for Neil Etheridge, according to manager Neil Warnock via WalesOnline.

The Bluebirds' no.1 has played a significant role in the previous two years, and his performances have attracted interest from Aston Villa, who could make a move for the Philippines international as their chances of signing Tom Heaton or Jack Butland seem to have ended.

Villa were believed to have had a bid worth £8m for Etheridge turned down earlier this summer, although Warnock denied that, stating the club were yet to receive any offers for the 29-year-old.

Speaking after Cardiff's match against Nice at the weekend, he said:

"As I've said before, we'll listen to anything, I've not heard anything and I don't think Neil has.

"It wouldn't worry me if an offer came in for Neil, Smithies or whatever, because I'm very happy in that department."

Warnock has added Newport County's Joe Day to the squad this summer and he could have a role to play should Etheridge leave, although it would be a big step up for him to make, coming from League Two.

Etheridge has featured in all but one league game in the last two years, which shows how imperative he has been under Neil Warnock. His contribution was key to Cardiff's promotion in 2018 as he conceded just 37 goals in 45 matches.

The Verdict

Even if they are willing to listen to offers, which they shouldn't be, they should not make the buying club aware of that fact.

It weakens their negotiating position and it sends out a negative message to fans, who will want their club to do everything they can to hold onto its better players, not allow them to leave easily as it seems Cardiff are prepared to do.

It could be that Cardiff want to raise funds to strengthen elsewhere, as Warnock did admit his main concern was his attack, with the recent sale of Kenneth Zohore weakening that area of the squad.