Cardiff City are in the process of searching for Neil Warnock's replacement after he stepped down from his post yesterday after three years, and one current EFL manager has emerged as a front runner to take the vacancy according to The Sun.

It has been reported that Cardiff's hierarchy are keeping an eye on Charlton manager Lee Bowyer, who has done an impressive job at The Valley since being appointed caretaker manager in March 2018.

He led Charlton back to the Championship in his first full season in charge of the Addicks, defeating Sunderland in last season's League One play-off final at Wembley.

This season, the South London side have settled to life well back in the Championship, sitting 11th in the table.

FLW looks at two positives and two negatives of Cardiff hiring the 42-year-old...

Pro - He has proven he is a top manager

Considering the Charlton job was Bowyer's first managerial role - not forgetting that the 42-year-old was thrown straight into the deep end after Karl Robinson's departure - he has proven to be a success in the dugout.

It was expected before this season began that Charlton would be fighting relegation as the side have one of the lowest budgets in the Championship.

But, they have proven their doubters wrong judging from the performances, and that in large part is down to Bowyer.

Pro - Style of football will be welcomed

Considering the other candidates Cardiff have been linked with for their managerial vacancy such as Neil Harris and Chris Hughton, Bluebirds fans will warm to the prospect of Bowyer taking the reins more because of his philosophy.

That is because the brand of football played at Charlton is exciting. Charlton have favoured using the short pass under their manager, and have scored 55% of their goals this season from open play.

Bowyer is also capable of using a variety of formations, which demonstrates flexibility and tactical nous.

Con - Compensation to Charlton will be required

Bowyer is currently tied down to contract that expires at the end of the season at The Valley, after signing an extension to his previous deal in the summer to keep him in SE7 for another year.

Although the compensation may not be sizeable due to the length of the contract, it will still be a hassle in negotiations, as Charlton will be doing all they can to keep Bowyer at the Valley.

Con - Difficult to tempt Bowyer away from SE7

The Charlton manager has rejected interest from elsewhere during the season, and it will be hard to tempt him away - especially as The Addicks are having a better season than Cardiff at present.

Having links to the Charlton as a former player, and with them being the club that gave him his first managerial opportunity, it is clear that Bowyer holds Charlton in high regard.

A large crop of the current players are also ones that he has signed, so the setup at The Valley is very suited to how he wants to work.