Brian Barry-Murphy has broken his silence on Cardiff City's transfer business, insisting he remains confident the squad will be strengthened before the window closes.
The Bluebirds are still without an outfield signing this summer, with Nathan Trott's permanent move from FC Copenhagen the only addition ahead of next weekend's Carabao Cup opener against Swindon Town. Fresh links have emerged to Lincoln City playmaker Jack Moylan, while reports in Norway suggest Premier League newcomers Hull City are now close to beating Cardiff to Tromsø midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl.
'Nothing yet' on transfers
Speaking after Cardiff's 4-1 pre-season victory over Roma, Barry-Murphy said: "Nothing yet." He added: "I'm just working really hard to focus on the team and leave the recruitment side of things to the people behind the scenes."
WalesOnline reported this week that three deals are close to completion, but when asked whether any were imminent, the Cardiff boss said: "I'm not aware of anything. It's actually been really helpful having such good organisation behind the scenes because I've been able to concentrate fully on the team throughout pre-season. When something happens, you'll know."
Supporters urged to be patient
Supporters have grown anxious during a quiet window, particularly as Championship rivals strengthen. Barry-Murphy acknowledged those concerns: "There's always excitement when a new player comes to the club. All I can say to the supporters is we have an incredible hunger to move the club forward and improve it in every area. Recruitment is one of those, so we're highly motivated to give them what they want. It just takes time."
Confidence and Tan backing
Despite no completed deals, the manager is adamant the squad will improve: "I'm always confident that we'll improve the team. I think I made some mistakes in my first summer here talking about numbers (of signings I wanted). This year it's more straightforward. We know what we want to do."
Barry-Murphy also reiterated the backing he has received from owner Vincent Tan, following his new contract that runs until 2029. He travelled to Malaysia this summer to meet Tan and said their ambitions are aligned: "I've always felt really well backed at this club and I'm very grateful. I think he enjoyed last season more than I realised. Sometimes when you're in it you don't appreciate the magnitude of what you've achieved, but that's in the past now. We want to move forward and focus on the future. Vincent is very straightforward. The conversations are very clear and very serious. He knows what we want to do and I know what we can do."
Hjertø-Dahl and Moylan links
On the reported pursuit of Jens Hjertø-Dahl, with Hull City now favourites to land the Norway under-21 international, Barry-Murphy said: "I don't know anything about that. He's not our player and it wouldn't be fair for me to comment."
Similarly, he declined to discuss reports linking Cardiff with Republic of Ireland international Jack Moylan, but did praise the Lincoln City midfielder, who was promoted with the Imps alongside the Bluebirds last year: "I know the player really well. He had an amazing season at an amazing club and they were better than us last year. I congratulated them on what they achieved, but he's not our player."
