Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut is keeping his cards close to his chest, but still hopes his club can pull off the transfer coup of re-signing Aaron Ramsey.

Bulut took charge of his first pre-season game on Saturday, a 2-0 victory over Penybont, one of the emerging forces in the Cymru Premier.

Afterwards, the Turkish coach spoke of his intention to strengthen his squad before the start of the Championship season in a month’s time.

Wales captain Ramsey has been a rumoured target for the Bluebirds for weeks, although he is understood to have other options available, including remaining in France.

The current Nice midfielder strengthened those links when he stated he would like to return one day to the capital club, although the 32-year-old was not specific on when that might be – this season or at some point in the distant future.

Bulut revealed he has only previously met Ramsey in person once – at the Wales v Armenia game – but hopes to share further developments on transfers next week.

“Maybe I’m going to meet him following this. We will see, we never know,” he said.

“I will tell you more next week if we can get to sign some players, so then you will know.”

Goals either side of half-time from Mark McGuinness and Ollie Tanner wrapped up a comfortable win as Penybont were given a thorough examination of their capabilities, ahead of their UEFA Conference League debut in 11 days’ time.

“I’m satisfied that the team are doing well. They are training hard, but only for ten days, so we have to be better for the following games,” said Bulut.

“It was good that I could see the young players and what they have, especially in the second-half. They did quite well, so I could see today that they want it.”

Welsh champions The New Saints visit Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday as part of a pre-season programme that will see the Bluebirds take in games against Braga and FC Porto as they continue their preparations in Portugal.

Despite defeat, Penybont boss Rhys Griffiths will take heart from a performance that saw his side maintain their composure throughout.

While Cardiff spent Saturday in action, Swansea City were on a flight, returning from their pre-season training camp in Spain.

New manager Michael Duff is getting to know his players but knows he has a struggle to hold on to some who will seek to leave before the new season starts.

That group is likely to include the club’s Dutch striker Joel Piroe, who has scored over 20 goals in both of his two seasons so far in South Wales.

Swansea’s Championship rivals Leicester City and Southampton are known to be interested in Piroe and Duff said: “I had some good conversations with Joel at our training camp in Spain last week and he was asking about detail in what I want from him.

“Until anything changes we will keep on having those conversations. If he goes, he goes, and if he doesn’t, he stays – it is not personal, it’s football.

“I understand he’s the big name at the club and only has a year left on his contract. There will be plans in place in terms of the way we play if he stays, and plans for if he goes.”