In the first week of the January Transfer Window, Cardiff City have been linked with seven players, this article will provde a breakdown on each target.
Kieffer Moore:
A man who doesn't really need any introduction. Moore is reportedly wanted by Cardiff, Sunderland, West Brom, Leeds, Norwich, Ipswich, Birmingham and Middlesbrough. Goes without saying a deal for Moore will not be plain sayling due to the amount of interest. Kieffer Moore is a target man who is key in build up play as he brings wingers into play. Moore is a huge aerial threat and is strong in his aerial duels. With just 93 league minutes this term, it goes without saying Moore will be looking to depart this window.
Lamare Bogarde:
Bogarde is another with many suitors. Cardiff, Sunderland, Aberdeen, Watford and Southampton have all been credited with interest in the Dutch U21's international. The Aston Villa midfielder spent the last six months of last season and first six months of this season on loan at Bristol Rovers. The 19 year-old is a tidy midfielder who has an impressive passing range. Ex Gas manager Joey Barton spoke highly of Bogarde and was impressed with the midfielders tenacious and aggressive style. Bogarde is more of a defensive midfield option as he contributes more defensively than offensively, he can also play at left-back if required.
Anastasios Bakasetas:
If pulled off would be signing of the window, and I don't think it comes close. Cardiff are reportedly battling out with Besiktas, Panathanikos and AEK Athens for Bakasetas' signature. The 30 year-old can play as a holding midfielder, box-to-box and also as a ten just behind the striker. The set piece specialist is a fan favourite in Turkey but looks set to depart with just six months left on his current deal. 'Baka' has an impressive passing range and is solid in the tackle. His creativity has led to him being mentioned as one of the best players currently in the Super Lig. A Premier League quality player, and if brought in would make an instant impact.
Danny Ward:
Another familiar name for Bluebirds. Cardiff are reportedly battling Sheffield United for the signature of Welsh interntional Danny Ward from Leicester. Ward is yet to play a minute this season for The Foxes. The 'keeper has 38 Wales caps and has solidified his place as Wales number one in recent times. Ward has a decent ability of picking a long range pass and is plays very much the sweeper goal as he often rushes from his goal to sweep up play. Ward is currently earning £27k a week at Leicester.
Enis Bardhi:
Another link with a Trabzonspor midfielder. Bardhi similairly to Bakasetas has played as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box and a ten this season, The North Macedonian international is impressive on the ball and is a dead ball specialist. Reports from Turkey claim Cardiff have been persistant in their hunt for Bardhi and are keen to land their man. Trabzonspor are also thought to be keen on Bardhi to depart.
Ben Krauhaus:
The next Ollie Tanner? Cardiff are reportedly one of four Championship sides that have sent scouts to watch the 19 year-old. It's also thought the Bromley winger has Premier League interest. Krauhaus can also be deployed in central midfield. Krauhaus has definitely shone in the National League and has picked up six goals, however fans have alos been impressed with his work rate and defensive contributions. Krauhaus has been compared a few times to Arsenal winger Emile Smith-Rowe and the way he plays.
Mehmet Umut Nayir:
Cardiff, Konyaspor and West Brom ar reportedly battling it out for Turkey and Fenerbahce striker Umut Nayir. After seventeen goals in the Super Lig last season, Nayir has only made five appearences for Fenerbahce this season and failed to score. The Turkish international is similair to Kieffer Moore, strong in his aerial duels, brings wingers into play and clinical in front of goal. The 30 year-old only joined Fenerbahce in the summer but is keen to leave the Turkish giants.
Conclusion:
It seems as if Cardiff are trying to make things happen - however, some are getting impatient after a big January was promised to supporters.
I think patience is needed, but, we need to start wrapping up deals and getting key targets through the door.
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