Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has given a clear indication that he is determined to tie star striker Kenwyne Jones down to a new contract at the club.
The 31-year-old striker’s current contract in the welsh capital ends next summer and he is yet to put pen paper on a new one.
Since arriving from Stoke in January 2014, Jones has proved an integral part of the Bluebirds side. He was the Bluebirds’ top-scorer last season and has three this campaign despite being hit by injury.
Jones is reportedly the highest-paid player at the club but Slade is hoping a deal can be struck to keep him in January after initial talks a few months ago broke down.
“January will be crucial whatever happens and I will sit down with him,” said Slade.
“Look, Kenwyne, is in my team, he‘s a big part of my plans otherwise we would not have loaned out Alex Revell to Wigan. That shows the intent. We’ve had initial talks with him and our chairman and chief executive and they will resume in January.
“If the club can work out a deal with Kenwyne that would suit all parties I’m sure. All things will be considered. I can only talk about the football side and every time I pick my team, I am showing my hand about where I see my players. If they are not in the team every week that is an indication. Kenwyne when he is up and running and fit, he is normally starting for me.”
Jones looks likely to start as Cardiff host Burnley in the Championship tomorrow. He could see a new strike partner though with Tony watt, in on loan from Charlton, looking to make an impact.
Slade failed in his bid to bring in a Premier League striker too this week , but said he will look again in January to add some more fire power to his squad.
Slade added: “We had a couple we were looking at in the Championship and Premier League. I think there were one or two teams reluctant to loan, but we will look again in January.