Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy has made an early statement of intent by telling three senior players to train with the club's under-21s. Kion Etete, Jesper Daland and Roko Simic were all absent from the first-team's return to pre-season training on Monday and have been instructed to work with the academy group, according to sources close to the club.
Players out of favor
The trio have failed to make the desired impact since arriving at Cardiff City Stadium. Etete, a 24-year-old striker, has struggled with injuries and poor form during loan spells at Rotherham United, Bolton Wanderers and St Mirren. Despite being handed a new two-year contract 18 months ago, he is now expected to be sold this summer.
Daland, a Norwegian centre-back, spent last season on loan with Fortuna Düsseldorf and faces an uphill battle for a place after Cardiff signed Gabriel Osho and promoted academy graduate Dylan Lawlor. With captain Calum Chambers and Will Fish also in contention, Daland's exit is likely before the transfer window closes.
Simic, a Croatian striker, has yet to make a competitive appearance for Cardiff since his arrival. He scored three times in 28 games on loan at Karlsruher in the 2. Bundesliga last season but has also been relegated to the under-21s.
Barry-Murphy's rebuilding plans
Barry-Murphy is keen to strengthen his attacking options this summer, with Cardiff actively seeking a new striker. Moving Etete and Simic on would free up squad space, reduce the wage bill and potentially generate funds for reinvestment as the Bluebirds prepare for their return to the Championship.
