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Cardiff City full-back Joe Bennett is not expected to leave the Welsh capital this summer despite being targeted yet again by Fulham.

The former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player is settled in Cardiff and it is thought he will remain with the newly-promoted club.

It has been reported in recent days that Fulham will make another attempt to sign the 28-year-old from Neil Warnock's grasp after a failed attempt last summer.

Bennett, whose contract runs up until the summer of 2019, turned down bigger wages from Fulham last summer to remain in south Wales.

The Daily Mail reported on Saturday that Fulham, who are also heading into the Premier League for 2018/19, are prepared to trigger a £2million release clause for Bennett.

However, WalesOnline understands that clause effectively no longer exists from this season.

It certainly was in place when Fulham made him an offer last summer, but following Cardiff's promotion to the Premier League the specific clause is now inactive, with the Bluebirds having no intention of selling the player.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Bennett was one of the Bluebirds' most consistent performers in 2017/18, helping Neil Warnock's side clinch an unlikely promotion.

He bounced back from unwanted headlines following his horror tackle on Manchester City star Leroy Sane — and subsequent red card and suspension — to play a key role in the run-in.

Neil Warnock spoke last August about how Bennett had turned down an offer from the Cottagers.

Speaking last summer, Warnock said: "It’s been difficult for him as he’s had all sorts thrown at him over the last few days and there was nothing we could do because once they met his clause, it was down to him to say yes or no.

"He was offered a very good contract but it speaks well of the lad and the club at moment about where we are when you turn that down.

"I put no pressure on him, it was down to him, he had the option. But he’s staying for less money he could have had, on his original contract with two years to go."