Coventry City manager Andy Thorn had admitted it looks as if he has lost the battle to keep Aron Gunnarsson at the club.
Gunnarsson's agent Jerry de Koning said yesterday he thought Cardiff City the most likely destination for the 22 year old Icelandic international midfielder despite being offered a lucrative new deal by Coventry City.
Gunnarsson is on holiday in Dubai at the moment. He is on his summer break after taking part in the under 21 European Championships.
Thorn had hoped that Gunnarsson would agree to stay at the club, but if he does leave, the blow will be lessened in the knowledge that the club have a ready made replacement in the shape of Gary Deegan who is fit again after missing most of last season through injury.
Although Gunnarsson is out of contract and can move on a free transfer, under the Bosman ruling Coventry City will be entitled to a development fee because the player is under 24 years of age.
Thorn has been powerless to prevent Gunnarsson leaving as the club cannot and will not match the wages some other clubs are prepared to offer.
Thorn said to the CT: “I saw that he has been linked elsewhere and we have tried our best but at the moment things are out of our hands. We have got things going on that we are still looking at but it is difficult because I think a lot of players who are out of contract from bigger clubs this year can’t get clubs, so it will be a bit of an eye-opener for some players and clubs."
"It is not simple signing players any more but we have done our best, but to be fair, Gary Deegan is back and he’s like a new player because he missed all last season. He is looking strong and we are trying our best with certain players, but at the same time we have got to be realistic as well."
“The boys who are here have got something to prove. I have got a good set of lads and I am not going to break that up, because when you get a togetherness it becomes stronger than individuals and we have got a real good team spirit and good group of lads, and that can overcome a lot of things.”