JANUARY TRANSFER PLAN - STATE OF PLAY

Cardiff City transfer state of play as duo leave, player returns and boss reveals plan
By Glen Williams

Cardiff City head into the January transfer window in a position of real strength – three points clear at the top of League One and firmly in control of their own promotion destiny.

But while results on the pitch have given Brian Barry-Murphy plenty of encouragement, movement behind the scenes is already under way as the Bluebirds begin to shape their squad for the second half of the season.

The first pieces of business have already been confirmed. Youngsters Will Spiers and Luey Giles have both joined National League side Eastleigh on loan, moves that align neatly with Barry-Murphy’s stated desire to find meaningful game-time for some of his academy talent.

Spiers departs having enjoyed a stellar first half of the campaign with Merthyr Town, where his consistency and maturity caught the eye, while he also impressed in fleeting senior appearances for Cardiff. Sign up to our Cardiff City WhatsApp channel here.

Left-back Giles, meanwhile, has found opportunities harder to come by and a temporary move away was widely seen as necessary to kick-start his season.

Those departures slightly reduce Cardiff’s depth, particularly in defensive areas. With Spiers and Giles now out on loan, the Bluebirds are even lighter at full-back, where Perry Ng, Ronan Kpakio and Joel Bagan are Barry-Murphy's tried and tested options.

That is an area which could be addressed should the right profile become available, although any move is expected to be measured rather than reactive, with Cardiff keen not to disrupt a group that has performed so well to power them to the top of League One.

Meanwhile, Ethan Horvath’s short-term loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday has concluded, meaning the United States international has technically returned to Cardiff. Horvath has been linked with potential moves to MLS, and Barry-Murphy was notably tight-lipped when asked about his future before Christmas.

It is understood that Horvath was deemed surplus to requirements at the start of the season, and with Nathan Trott enjoying a barnstorming campaign as first choice and academy graduate Matt Turner proving a capable understudy, it would be a surprise if that stance were to change.

Another familiar face back around the club is Jak Alnwick, who returned to training last month despite not featuring at all this season. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has publicly refused to rule out a move for the goalkeeper should he become available, adding further intrigue to a situation that may yet develop as the window progresses.

“Jak is a player I know," Goodwin said. "I signed him when he was at St Mirren. He got a good move down to Cardiff. He is a really good experienced goalkeeper, but right now we are happy with what we have got."

So where does that leave Cardiff in terms of strengthening? Speaking after Sunday’s 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic,

Barry-Murphy suggested the priority remains on finding the right pathways for younger players, rather than overseeing a major overhaul.

When asked whether further loan moves were imminent, he said: “Possibly, I think obviously we’ve referenced before, Tanatswa (Nyakuhwa) and Daks (Mafico) - and it’s just assessing what the best option for them and then getting them playing as soon as possible. So, yeah, as soon as possible.”

Pressed on whether any senior figures were likely to depart, the head coach added: “They’re the only ones that I know of for sure we’re actively looking to get experience into.”

However, Barry-Murphy made it clear that Cardiff are not standing still. Asked if it was fair to assume he would like to strengthen the squad this month, the Irishman stated his wish to continually better his squad: “Always looking to improve, always looking to improve."

A different profile of midfielder would be advantageous, however that area of the squad is already densely packed. Some pace out on the wing is always a consideration with Cardiff, too, however with Chris Willock and Cian Ashford showcasing such impressive form and Ollie Tanner back from training, it's another area of fierce competition already within the squad.

Just a left back and striker for me barry, not bothered in any other position.

Left back should be priority, as mentioned above. We need to sign a backup for Bagan.

I'm more concerned about keeping our players than bringing more in.

Hopefully our league position, manager and a massive chance of winning the league will help us keep them.

one hundred percent we need a striker who can run the channels and actually hold the ball up

LB and a winger would be my preference.

Hopefully there's something in the Biancheri rumours, can play anywhere across the front line.

Would imagine it'll just be a couple of loans, that's the right way to do things in January when you're in a strong position - unless an opportunity to buy someone that is very good for a good price comes up.

2 wingers and a LB

I am sure Osho can play right back if we needed it as a defender rather than attacking.

Ashford has had a breakout season but i am convinced his future lies centrally and would love to see him in the central attacking midfield role but we have no wingers. Davies isn't a winger in this formation, if BBM stays he probably needs to find a 433 manager.