Championship club Cardiff City have endured mixed fortunes in the January transfer window thus far, but will be hoping to make it a more positive one to give themselves the best chance of staying afloat in the league at the end of the season.

Ryan Giles has returned to parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers in what is a big blow for Steve Morison's men after seeing the 21-year old become an integral part of their plans, recording nine assists in 21 games as one of the Bluebirds biggest attacking threats.

However, they have recalled forward Max Watters and midfielder Ryan Wintle from their temporary spells at MK Dons and Blackpool respectively, providing them with more squad depth and with Covid cases still causing havoc, that could be vital in ensuring their fixture schedule doesn't become too clogged with postponements.

 

 

Club Chairman Mehmet Dalman has admitted there will be virtually no funds for Morison to play with though during this period, potentially making this window a painful one for the Welsh side if they are forced to cash in on some of their prized assets to bring in fresh blood.

It remains to be seen whether they can get any deals over the line, but with a lack of incoming activity looking likely, many Cardiff supporters may be looking at the potential departures that could be on the way.

We have taken a look at just two of the second-tier side's players who may want to be pushing for an exit from the club during this window.

Kieffer Moore

Soccer Football - Championship - Swansea City v Cardiff City - Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - October 17, 2021 Swansea City's Kyle Naughton in action with Cardiff City's Kieffer Moore Action Images/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Many supporters would argue that Wales international Moore may not have earned his move away this January because he hasn't been able to replicate his goalscoring form from last term, scoring just five times in 22 league appearances.

However, he has scored four of the five in his last eight matches, seemingly adapting well to life under new manager Morison and has managed to get on the scoresheet in his last two outings for Wales.

His international credentials may play a big part in earning him a move away - and after previously slapping a £12m price tag on his head - the Bluebirds may be willing to lower their price in a bid to generate a handsome sum of money from his potential sale to address several areas of their squad.

He is a valuable asset to them - but from Moore's perspective - he will want to get to the top flight as soon as possible at 29 years old.

The fact he was the subject of a bid from Wolves on deadline day just shows how close he could be to a potential move this month, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him take the chance to move to the top tier if he was offered the opportunity.

Leandro Bacuna

Soccer Football - Championship - Swansea City v Cardiff City - Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - October 17, 2021 Swansea City's Flynn Downes and Kyle Naughton in action with Cardiff City's Leandro Bacuna Action Images/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Considering he's played 15 times in the Championship this season, a semi-respectable number of games to have under his belt, this may seem a strange pick.

But the Bournemouth red card may have changed the complexion of the ex-Aston Villa man's career at the Cardiff City Stadium.

He may have been an unused substitute for three consecutive games before starting against the Cherries, but the recklessness of his challenge on Philip Billing could be a real game-changer, because it proved to be extremely costly in the second half with their disadvantage giving them no hope of getting back into the game against the league leaders.

To do it so close to half-time was also senseless, so Morison may decide to keep him on the bench for the foreseeable future when he returns from his suspension, though he may want a move away for a fresh start before he returns.

The presence of the likes of Mark Harris and Rubin Colwill in midfield, along with Marlon Pack, Joel Ralls and Will Vaulks in midfield, may keep him out of the starting lineup for quite a while and at 30, he will still want to be playing regular football.

This is why an exit could be on the cards, a decision that may suit all parties in the end.