Cardiff City's summer transfer business is finally beginning to gather real momentum. The Bluebirds secured the signing of Jack Moylan on Wednesday, completing the club's first outfield addition of the window, with those inside the club delighted to have landed one of League One's standout performers after agreeing a deal with Lincoln City.
But the Republic of Ireland international is not expected to be the last arrival for long. WalesOnline reported last week that Cardiff were closing in on three deals and, with the first domino now having fallen through Moylan's arrival, it is understood the Bluebirds remain close to completing another two signings.
Two More Signings Expected Soon
The hope internally is that at least one of those deals, if not both, can be wrapped up by the weekend. Should that prove unrealistic, there is confidence they could instead be finalised early next week.
Following what had been a relatively slow start to the transfer window, Cardiff's recruitment drive is now accelerating with just 10 days to go before their Championship opener at Cardiff City Stadium, where a bumper crowd is expected for the club's return to the second tier.
Attacking Options Strengthened
One of the players understood to be close to joining is an attacking option capable of operating both through the middle and out wide. Such versatility has become a key theme of Cardiff's recruitment this summer. Moylan himself is comfortable as a No.10, a central midfielder or on either flank, while the latest target would further strengthen Brian Barry-Murphy's attacking options.
The Bluebirds have always viewed strengthening the forward line as a priority ahead of life back in the Championship, with the aim of providing greater competition for Yousef Salech and Callum Robinson. It is understood the forward is likely to arrive on loan.
Cardiff identified a midfielder, striker, winger and left-back as the minimum requirements heading into the summer window, although there remains a feeling that further additions could yet be made before the deadline.
Omari Kellyman Remains a Target
Another player who continues to feature prominently in Cardiff's plans is Omari Kellyman. Sources have indicated that bringing the Chelsea youngster back to the Welsh capital remains very much a live possibility this summer.
Kellyman was one of Cardiff's standout performers during their League One promotion campaign and the club believe he has the quality to make a significant impact in the Championship. Chelsea, meanwhile, are keen for the highly-rated youngster to continue his development with regular second-tier football.
The attacking midfielder travelled on Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia and was an unused substitute during Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong. There is significant interest in Kellyman following his impressive spell with Cardiff last season, with several clubs understood to be monitoring his situation.
However, supporters who believe Moylan's arrival effectively ends Cardiff's hopes of re-signing Kellyman would be mistaken. The two players offer different qualities and profiles, and Cardiff's pursuit of Moylan has not altered their desire to bring Kellyman back if a deal can be struck.
With Moylan through the door and two more signings understood to be edging closer, Cardiff's summer rebuild is now beginning to gather pace at exactly the right time, with the Championship campaign fast approaching.
