"They've made us what they think is an offer; I think it's taking the mickey to be honest," Ray Lewington told the BBC.
"He (Ardley) knows about it - before we knew about it I think, but we're big boys and we know it happens. We're not interested in doing any sort of deal, but the unfortunate thing is... the way it was done."
Lewington left Ardley out of yesterdays game between the two teams because of the speculation. Ardley though is aware of the interest and Lewington told the Watford official website
"I won't deny that this has been, and is, a very awkward situation for us.
"Cardiff came in with an offer to take Neal Ardley from us. It constituted a transfer fee payable at the end of the season if they avoided relegation.
"We refused that offer but, since that time, Ards has become aware of the offer and it's been a difficult time for both him and the club.
"We're not going to just let him walk away. I think Ards would favour a move, given what he's been offered, but we're not in a position where we want to let him go so that's where we are at the moment.
"I think he's got to realise our point of view which is that he signed a one-year contract with us in the summer and, until we get an offer that would persuade us otherwise, he's staying here."