Cardiff City have expressed shock at claims linking Derby County's prospective new owner Erik Alonso with an attempted buyout of the Bluebirds.
The 29-year-old hopes to take full control of Derby, pending Football League approval.
But ahead of the takeover Alonso told the Spanish media “We had been talking to various clubs for a while," specifically citing Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday as alternative options.
The Bluebirds say they did receive a call from Alonso, but insist it went little further than that.
Cardiff asked for a non-disclosure agreement and proof of funds, but say neither were forthcoming.
An NDA is a legally binding contract that establishes confidentiality and is common practice on major business deals.
The Bluebirds often get calls from interested parties, but insist Vincent Tan still feels there is a project to see through at Wales' capital city club. As such conversations do not move forward unless they believe a potential new owner would be right for the Bluebirds and is genuine.
Responding to the fresh reports about Alonso, Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said: "I'm shocked by what has come out, to be honest, and wonder why the comments have been made.
"His definition of discussions is clearly entirely different to ours.
"An initial contact was made and we asked for an NDA and full disclosure of funds. None of that was forthcoming.
"It takes an awful lot more than an initial phone call to enter into proper or meaningful conversations with us."
Reports say Alonso has reached an agreement with Derby and values Championship clubs "between £70 million and £120m."
He is quoted as saying: “We had been talking to various clubs for a while, we spoke with Cardiff City and we spoke with Sheffield Wednesday.
“Our club profile is not going to be that of a profligate club, we are not going to waste money. You have to invest in the club, but you are not going to do crazy things.
“You are going to bring young players who come to compete, who come with the goal of going up to the Premier League and for them to see that they can become footballers.”
Cardiff boss Tan will want to have a crack at promotion to the Premier League under veteran manager Mick McCarthy next season.
The Bluebirds know McCarthy has a proven track record at this level, winning promotion and the title with Sunderland and Wolves.
The current Bluebirds squad would have struggled in the Premier League, had they clinched promotion via the play-offs. But with those hopes pretty much over after the home draw with Blackburn, the summer transfer window gives McCarthy an opportunity to bolster the team with players who he feels could thrive not only in the Championship, but also the top flight.
McCarthy is likely to want a new centre-back, midfielder, winger and striker, while a No.10 back-up to Harry Wilson, who looks set to return to Liverpool, would also be ideal, unless Lee Tomlin can prove his fitness.
