Stoke City are ready to pounce for Cardiff City winger Joe Ledley.

The Daily Mail says despite weekend reports that Ledley has refused all attempts to agree a new contract, it is understood Cardiff have reluctantly taken the decision to move him on after weighing up the financial implications of their last-day failure to make the play-offs.

"Joe is out of contract during the summer of 2010 and we can not allow ourselves to get into a position where he could walk away from Cardiff City at the end of next season," said chairman Peter Ridsdale. "Our offer is still open for us to sit down for talks on a new contract."

There will be no shortage of offers, with Stoke ready to celebrate securing sealing their future in the Barclays Premier League by lodging a third bid for the 22-year old Wales winger.