Roger Johnson was a �275,000 signing from Wycombe Wanderers in 2006

Cardiff City have rejected two bids for defender Roger Johnson from Premier League new boys Birmingham City.

BBC Sport understands the Blues had an initial estimated £3m offer turned down by Cardiff last week before returning with an improved deal worth up to £5m.

The 26-year-old signed a new long-term Cardiff deal last summer and the club are keen to keep their key centre-back.

Johnson is one of the most-wanted men outside the top flight and was named in the PFA Championship team of the year.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones beat off competition from South Wales rivals Swansea City to sign Johnson for £275,000 in July 2006 from Wycombe Wanderers.

Johnson has played more than 100 games in his time at Ninian Park and was one of the most consistent members of the Cardiff squad that narrowly missed out on a Championship play-off place this season.

The defender has apparently been a target for North East rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough as well as Premier League strugglers Portsmouth.

606: DEBATE Johnson needs to stay as he is the rock of the team Ninian opinion

Birmingham's improved bid is worth up to £5m but the cash down-payment for Johnson is thought to be less than half of the headline figure with the deal made up in add-ons should the Blues remain in the Premier League.

Johnson is one of a number of Cardiff players who have been targeted by Premier League clubs.

Captain and Wales midfielder Joe Ledley, who has one year left on his Ninian Park deal, has been linked with moves to Everton, West Ham United and Stoke City.

And 23-goal top-scorer and striker Ross McCormack, who last week publicly stated his desire to play in the Premier League, has been linked with a number of top-flight clubs.

But Cardiff City have confirmed that the club has received no bids for any of their other players.

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