NO permanent signings, two loanees, and just one day left of the transfer window – The Cardiffian assesses Cardiff City’s January dealings with help from Bluebirds fans.
Scroll down for a recap of the story so far …
Frustration
City’s bids for new strikers have all been rejected, providing a reprieve for Anthony Pilkington.
The out-of-favour Irish international, who has only made two league starts in five months, is now back in Neil Warnock’s considerations.
“He’s done really well and his attitude has been absolutely unbelievable – even when he’s been playing for the under-23s,” said Warnock.
“Karl’s in my thoughts now,” he added.
Striking out
Even with the transfer window nearly over, there is still talk of new arrivals at the Cardiff City Stadium.
One potential newcomer is Bournemouth’s Lewis Grabban. Talks over a loan deal for the journeyman striker are still ongoing. However, Cardiff insiders say there is a long way to go before anything is finalised.
Still on City’s radar is Gary Madine, who has scored 10 goals in 28 Bolton appearances this season – including one against Cardiff.
Cardiff are not giving up on bagging 27 year-old Gary Madine. Photo: Getty
Prising him away from the Macron will be difficult, though. City have already had a £1.5 million bid rejected, and Bolton chairman Ken Anderson has said only an “exceptional” offer would convince him to part with a key player like Madine in January.
City are also talking to Newcastle’s Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.
The 22 year-old forward is said to be unhappy about the way St James’ Park bosses have dealt with the accusations of bullying and racism levelled at under-23s coach, Peter Beardsley.
It’s rumoured that El-Mhanni has already met with Warnock, but the young Algerian is the subject of interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
Loan stars
Rejecting the lure of Europa League football at Fenerbahçe next season would see El-Mhanni join Marko Grujić and Yanic Wildschut at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Grujić, a fringe player at Liverpool since his arrival in 2016, is on a deal that takes him to the end of the season with the Bluebirds.
Wildschut is no stranger to Championship football, having been on the books of Middlesbrough, Wigan, and most recently Norwich. He also joins on a season-long deal.
Neil Warnock poses for the cameras with Yanic Wildschut. Photo: Cardiff City FC
What do fans think?
Wales Online‘s Daniel Bevan believes City need to bolster their attacking options.
Gillian James’ fantasy pick looks set to remain a fantasy.
Ethan Waters doesn’t care who is brought in – as long as they’re a striker.
Dan Lewis thinks Grabban is the best of an uninspiring bunch.
The consensus is that City need a striker. But whether they secure one before the transfer window closes is up in the air. Your move, Neil.
Cardiff have not lost a league match at the Cardiff City Stadium in nine games.
