Cardiff City supporters would have been optimistic heading into the 2021/22 season after Mick McCarthy had inspired the squad to an unlikely play-off push at the back end of 2020/21.

However, the deficiencies in the squad were exposed very early on and the Bluebirds have struggled after investing very little in their squad.

In their final year of parachute payments, the legacy of Cardiff's narrow relegation from the Premier League in 2018/19 is virtually non-existent with manager Steve Morison, on a deal until the end of the season, unlikely to be afforded any money to spend in the January transfer window.

The results have led to the Bluebirds sitting just four points above the relegation zone after 24 matches and with Burnley showing an interest in their star man, Kieffer Moore, they could be in for a very challenging time for the club.

The Welshman has plundered 25 league goals since signing from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2020 and at 29, a move to the Premier League may be a very attractive proposition.

Given their worrying predicament in the relegation battle, Cardiff cannot afford to let Moore go this month or they are likely to be in the thick of the dog fight until the final weeks of the season.

The Bluebirds' only other options up front are James Collins, two goals from 24 appearances this season, Max Watters, yet to find the net above League One level, and Isaac Vassell who has not played since August 2019.

Chanka Zimba has been sent out on loan to Northampton Town for the rest of the season, and with Ryan Giles being recalled by Wolverhampton Wanderers this month, the creative contingent in the Welsh capital has been diminished considerably.

Moore's contract expires at the end of next season, meaning it is likely that his transfer value would decrease from between now and the summer window.

However, it is worth taking that loss because of his influence on the side, and the chances of relegation to League One growing so substantially if Burnley are able to lure him to Turf Moor this month.

 

 

Moore is still a Cardiff City player, his professionalism has been excellent in a very difficult first half of the season for the club and he should not be sold this month due to the potential downside, for any price.