Cardiff City have identified a full-back as a new transfer priority as they enter the final four days of the window with further business still to do. The Bluebirds have until 11pm on Tuesday to complete their recruitment and are looking at two, potentially three, additions before the deadline passes.
Striker and winger remain priorities
A striker and winger remain the two principal priorities, with Cardiff keen to add competition and cover for Yousef Salech while also bringing more pace and directness to their wide options. But a full-back has emerged as another position under consideration in the closing stages of the window.
Cardiff's recruitment plans have been shaped by the arrival of Krystian Bielik, who joined the club from West Brom on a three-year deal earlier this week. The Poland international has played as a centre-back and a No.6 throughout his career, but Brian Barry-Murphy has hinted that he sees him more as a holding midfielder.
Right-back options explored
That versatility effectively gives Cardiff another option in two positions and could allow the club to use their remaining recruitment resources elsewhere. A right-back is now being explored, with Perry Ng the undisputed first choice in that position and Ronan Kpakio currently his understudy.
Kpakio enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, establishing himself as one of Cardiff's most exciting young players and earning international recognition with Wales. But the club are keen to add another senior option to the position, providing stronger competition for Ng and greater protection should the full-back suffer an injury or suspension. Both loan and permanent possibilities are being considered for the full-back position.
Loan deals likely for key targets
The striker and winger remain the more pressing priorities, however. Cardiff want another option to support Salech, while a quick, dynamic wide player is high on their list as they look to add another dimension to Barry-Murphy's attack. The club are open to both permanent transfers and loans, but at this stage it appears increasingly likely that loans will be the route they take.
Premier League clubs are being targeted, with Cardiff having identified players at the top level who could potentially become available before Tuesday's deadline. There are targets in place and discussions are continuing, although the expectation is that the bulk of Cardiff's activity will come towards the end of the window.
It is unlikely that anything will be completed before the weekend, with Monday and Tuesday expected to be the key days for Cardiff's recruitment team. That means there could be a busy conclusion to a window which has already seen the Bluebirds adopt a markedly different approach.
New arrivals and outgoing interest
Jack Moylan, Nathan Trott, Calum Scanlon and Bielik have arrived, while Cardiff have also been managing a number of injuries that have placed greater emphasis on strengthening the squad. The club's preference remains to make two to three additions that genuinely improve the team rather than make signings simply for the sake of adding numbers.
That is particularly relevant when it comes to the winger and striker positions, where Cardiff have been patient in their search for the right profiles. Ideally, Premier League loans will be in by Tuesday evening.
There is currently nothing concrete on the outgoing front, although there has been tentative interest in Tanatswa Nyakuhwa. WalesOnline understands Newport County and Shrewsbury Town have both checked in on the young Cardiff forward, although nothing is advanced at this stage. The club would also ideally like to find loan destinations for Eli King, Dakarai Mafico and Kion Etete before Tuesday's deadline. Colchester had shown interest in Etete earlier in the window, however nothing has come of that as of yet.
