AARON RAMSEY is set to turn down a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia and rejoin boyhood club Cardiff.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Wednesday the ex-Rangers loanee, 32, was the latest British star to be targeted by the Middle East football revolution.
Ramsey weighed up the big-money offer from Saudi but is now closing in on a return to Wales where he started his career.
Nice revealed on Monday they expect him to return to the south of France for pre-season training next week.
But it is understood the Wales captain is negotiating a release him from his Nice contract after he triggered a 12-month extension when he played a set number of matches last season.
Ramsey failed to agree a new long-term contract with the French side and has always stated his next move will be a family decision, who remain in south Wales.
Ramsey began his career as a teenager with Cardiff before joining Arsenal in 2008.
The midfielder said last month he would love to play for his boyhood club ‘one day’ and now Cardiff appear to be in pole position to fend off competition from the Saudi riches.
Cardiff finished 21st in the Championship last season but have been keen and hopeful of bringing him home this summer.
Ramsey was the latest Brit to receive interest from Saudi where former Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard has moved to become the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
Ex-Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard has interest from Saudi clubs following an unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has also been linked with a big offer.
Several European stars have already moved to the country – where Cristiano Ronaldo started the revolution last December – including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino and ex-Celtic winger Jota.
Wilfried Zaha, who is currently a free agent after his Crystal Palace contract expired this summer, has also been offered a lucrative move to the Middle East.
Former United goalkeeper David de Gea and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku are also wanted by Saudi clubs.
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