Neil Harris is thought to be Cardiff City's preferred choice to replace Neil Warnock as manager but an unnamed fresh candidate has now emerged in the running to take the Bluebirds hot seat, according to WalesOnline.

Warnock saw his three-year spell as Bluebirds boss come to an end by mutual consent on Monday afternoon in the aftermath of his side's 1-0 defeat to Severnside rivals Bristol City on Sunday afternoon.

The disappointing result means Cardiff are entering the international break sitting 14th in the Championship table, while they have won just five out of the 16 matches during an underwhelming start to life back in the second tier.

The Daily Mail have reported that Cardiff have identified Neil Harris and Lee Bowyer as two key candidates to replace the 70-year-old, but it is now understood a third name has emerged in the running to take the job.

A new report claims Harris as emerged as the clear frontrunner following his departure from Millwall earlier this campaign, while the third name in the frame has not been identified, but is thought to be well-known to Cardiff fans.

[freshpress-poll ]

The Verdict

Cardiff face a tough challenge in identifying Warnock's successor as they will need to find a manager capable of deploying a fresh approach at the club, while also being able to work well with the club's current squad.

Harris became renowned for deploying a brand of direct and physical football at Millwall, which is not too dissimilar to Warnock's approach, but it does seem there are better options if Cardiff are looking for a long-term appointment.

It is interesting that a third name now appears to be in the frame, as Cardiff have clearly still not settled on the person they want to take over from Warnock, even though they appeared to committed to making a quick appointment.