Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ralls is the most likely player out of those out of contract this summer to put pen to paper on a new deal in the Welsh capital, according to a report from Wales Online.
The former England youth international has been an important part of the second-tier side's plans this term, making 27 league appearances and even taking the captain's armband on a couple of occasions with the 28-year-old playing his part in dragging the Bluebirds away from relegation danger.
Recording one goal and five assists in the process, he has been a contributor both defensively and going forward and will be keen to match the nine goal contribution tally he racked up last term, perhaps disappointed not to have got himself on the scoresheet more often during the 2021/22 campaign thus far.
He is one of a number of players whose contract expires at the Cardiff City Stadium in the summer, with captain Sean Morrison and goalkeeper Alex Smithies two key players who are set to depart in the summer as things stand.
However, the midfield looks set to be depleted too with Leandro Bacuna, Marlon Pack and Will Vaulks needing to sign fresh terms in the summer if they want to extend their stay at their current club.
And as per Wales Online, Vaulks is one player who could be in line to sign fresh terms at the club as one of the more likely members of the first-team squad to stay put under the stewardship of Morison.
The Verdict:
Considering the Bluebirds are likely to be working within a tight budget once again this summer, it makes sense to tie down first-teamers who Morison wants to retain and that should help to limit the incoming business they need to conduct during the next window.
However, those who are on a high salary and aren't willing to take a pay cut should be allowed to leave - because there will be plenty of free agents out there who can come in and do a similar or better job than those currently plying their trade at Cardiff.
This is a warning to Ralls and many others in their quest to get themselves the best possible deal because they could easily find themselves out of a job if they push too hard for favourable terms.
The financial picture chairman Mehmet Dalman painted last year wasn't exactly a pretty one so that could end up limiting the second-tier side's success for the coming years.
However, with several parties thought to be interested in acquiring the Bluebirds, it wouldn't be a surprise if the midfielder holds off on signing a new deal until that situation becomes clearer because potential new shareholders may be willing to offer him much more than the current hierarchy would.