Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale says they're very close to signing Aston Villa winger Wayne Routledge.

The winger's loan from Aston Villa expires on January 17 but the Bluebirds are keen to land the 23-year-old on a long-term deal, while QPR are also believed to be interested.

Routledge is currently ineligible to face Reading in the FA Cup this weekend but all that could change should the Welsh club tie up a deal in time.

Ridsdale told the Western Mail: "We have made an offer for Wayne to Aston Villa and discussed personal terms.

"We are very hopeful about signing him on a permanent deal after his excellent spell on loan with us."