The January transfer window is a key time for a lot of clubs in the Sky Bet Championship, and Cardiff City are no exception to that.

Neil Warnock is known for his activity in the transfer windows and 2017 has been no different, he has already released Kieran Richardson and Marouane Chamakh and brought in goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

The experienced boss is looking to re-shape his squad for the second half of the season and help the Bluebirds avoid relegation.

He was clearly dissatisfied with the squad he inherited from Paul Trollope, as he signed four free agents within a week of being appointed.

Now he is in his first transfer window, he has the chance to personalise this team.

Cardiff are currently eight points clear of the relegation zone, and their activity in the transfer window could be key to them retaining Championship status.

Here we look at two players Cardiff City could sign to avoid the drop.

Jonny Hayes

Cardiff’s admiration of Aberdeen winger Hayes is no secret.

The Welsh side have already had two bids rejected for the Republic of Ireland international.

Hayes has scored six goals in 23 appearances across all competitions this season, and Dons boss Derek McInnes told Cardiff to table a serious offer for the winger.

It is believed the bid that was turned down was in the region of £500,000.

Hayes would bring something fresh to Warnock’s side, offering Cardiff more options in the wide areas along with a goal threat.

The 29-year-old's direct attacking approach could be key to helping Cardiff continue their rise away from danger.

Matty Taylor

Bristol Rovers striker Matty Taylor is a natural goal scorer and has proved his worth in the lower levels of English football.

Taylor has 19 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season for League One side Bristol Rovers, and could be the answer to Cardiff’s goal scoring problem.

Peter Whittingham is the Bluebirds’ top scorer this season with just five goals, and Cardiff will need to someone to regularly score goals if they are to avoid the drop.

Rovers’ chairman Steve Hamer was quoted as saying the sale of Taylor was the “last thing” the club were considering doing.

But later went on to confirm if an offer was received that was good for both the club and player, it would be considered.

If Cardiff were to sign a player like Taylor, he may be key to their survival this season, but at 26-years-old could also be a key player in future campaigns.

 

Cardiff fans - do you agree with these 2 suggestions? Let us know what you think in the comments below…