As the turn of the year approaches, Cardiff City manager Russell Slade set a target of being in the top six by the end of December, in order to persuade owner Vincent Tan to spend in the January Transfer Window.

Cardiff currently occupies that position and are on course of achieving his goal.

The Malaysian chairman is renowned for spending big and the club have aspirations to return back to the Premier League.

There are some pros and cons to Cardiff’s successful campaign leading up the opening of the transfer window.

The Bluebirds were relatively quiet when spending in the summer and many Cardiff fans thought it was going to be a repeat of season.

Vincent Tan is now more likely to put his hand in his pocket to add some quality and creativity to the squad in their push for promotion, however this could lead to players down the pecking order being pushed out of the club.

Cardiff have plenty of star players, who have played well week in and week out for the club this season that are starting to draw the attention of Premier League sides.

Several players in their squad that are still with them since their Premier League days, and there is the question that those players could be impatient in waiting for their return to the Premier League.

Some fans will have mixed reactions of players leaving the club, but Russell Slade will certainly shake things up in the Cardiff City squad in January.

Football League World writer, Ashley Williams looks at FIVE players Cardiff City fans could possibly be saying goodbye to in January…..

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

cardiff

[/ffc-gallery]

 

Federico Macheda

machedaaaa

The former Manchester United front man has certainly been on the fringes of late.

There was a large amount of excitement when he first came to the club, but he has left the fans underwhelmed.

In consideration to the player, he has had a back problem this year which has kept him out for a long time.

However, his record says it all for the club, 21 appearances and six goals.

If Cardiff want to go up, they will need prolific strikers in their team and he just doesn’t have the capability to make an impact at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Stuart O’Keefe

o'keefe

The midfielder was brought to South Wales in January this year following a loan spell with Blackpool. He has been branded by Russell Slade as merely a “squad player”.

The former Crystal Palace man has only made six appearances for the club and has been ineffective throughout his time in the Welsh capital.

It looks like O’Keefe’s time is about to end in the next few weeks and I don’t think the Cardiff fans will miss him greatly.

Gabriel Tamas

tamass

The Romanian centre defender was signed for a free by the Bluebirds in August after impressing on trial with the club.

The signing left many of the fans scratching their heads why he was brought in by Russell Slade, as they already have established central defenders.

He is yet to feature for the club this season and you wonder where he would fit into the side ahead of Matthew Connolly, Sean Morrison and Manga.

The 31-year-old is way past his peak and should be moved on in January with someone who is going to put competition on the regular defenders.

Craig Noone

noone

The tricky winger has been linked in the past few weeks with a move away from the Bluebirds.

Bournemouth has stepped up their interest in Noone this week.

Cardiff City fans have regarded Noone as one of their most influential players at the club for the past few seasons and would be disappointed to see him leave.

He proved that he could make an impact, while Cardiff were in the Premier League as he turned full backs inside out.

Bruno Ecuele Manga

manga22

Another player who the fans would not like to see leave the club.

French side, Toulouse are preparing a substantial offer for the Bluebirds central defender.

Toulouse are struggling down the bottom of the French League and have identified Manga as their top target.

Despite Manga not featuring for the Bluebirds often this season due to injury, he was a key figure for them last year, winning the player of the year award.

The Gabon international will need to weigh up his options as a return to France could interest the defender.

Cardiff City fans.. Do you think you will be saying goodbye to these players in January? From a fans perspective, what do you think of them? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!