The January transfer options for Cardiff City as two positions emerge as top priorities for Neil WarnockBy Dominic BoothSome of the players Neil Warnock might target when the window re-opens on January 1st 2018Neil Warnock might have publicly insisted he has no formal plans to add to his Cardiff City squad in the upcoming transfer window, but as January rolls around, you might find that things change very quickly.
With the Bluebirds primed for a promotion push no matter what happens over their festive fixtures, January could be a crucial month.
Warnock has already hinted that Anthony Pilkington will move on when the window re-opens, while Liam Feeney and Rolf Feltscher see their short-term deals expire next month.
That could force Warnock's hand somewhat. Winger and left-back could become the two main positions he wishes to strengthen in the New Year.
Here are some potential options for the Cardiff boss...WINGERS:
Billy BodinCardiff were linked with Bristol Rovers winger Bodin in the summer, but the Pirates were able to stave off Championship interest in their kingpin.
However, Bodin's situation may soon change, given that his contract expires in the summer and Rovers could still fetch a fair fee for him in January. They value him at around £1million.
The 25-year-old is able to play anywhere across the frontline and has scored nine goals in 17 appearances this season. He's also a Welshman, having played for Wales at every age group level up to Under-21s.
Given Cardiff's modest transfer budget and Warnock's desire to scour the lower leagues for players with potential, it would make sense if the Bluebirds renewed their interest in Bodin.
Jonny HayesNot him again, surely?
Well, stranger things have happened, despite the fact it seemed Cardiff's public pursuit of Hayes was dead and buried when the Ireland international swapped Aberdeen for Celtic in the summer, shunning the Bluebirds in the process.
However, Hayes' game time at Parkhead has been limited to substitute appearances and he may be available on a short-term loan.
Given how keen Cardiff and Warnock have been in the past, don't be shocked to see this transfer saga reignited in January. Hayes is of sufficient quality to provide quality competition for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Junior Hoilett in the wide positions.
Harry WilsonLiverpool have recently made it clear that young Welsh star Wilson is available for loan in January and what better place for him to hone his skills and push for an international recall? Wilson has stalled a little since making his Wales debut as a fresh-faced 16-year-old, but he's been captaining Liverpool's Under-23s and could prove a surprise package if he was plunged into the Championship.
Warnock is not the type of manager to gamble on unproven Premier League loan stars though, which could scupper the chances of this move transpiring. Wilson's only previous league appearances came in a 2015 loan spell at Crewe.
Ryan LeonardLeonard is young, he's versatile and he's hot property right now. After an elongated transfer dalliance with Sheffield United over the summer amounted to nothing, the 25-year-old has been busy taking League One by storm in the colours of Southend.
He's scored three goals from central midfield for the play-off hopefuls, prompting further interest not just from the Blades but from Millwall too. He would represent something of a gamble, having never previously played in the Championship, but can play centrally or out wide.
After being schooled by Plymouth Argyle — a club Warnock knows well — Leonard could fit the bill for the Bluebirds this winter.
LEFT-BACKS:
Greg CunninghamThe 26-year-old is another player Warnock has coveted throughout his time at Cardiff, with reports in the summer suggesting the veteran boss was ready to swap him for Joe Bennett if the current left-back departed for Fulham — a deal that very nearly happened.
Preston skipper Cunningham hasn't featured for the Lilywhites since August after picking up a serious hamstring injury, but he's due to return in January, perhaps in time for a Bluebirds swoop.
With Feltscher likely to move on, having been a stop-gap signing as left-back cover, Warnock might make an approach for Cunningham to give Bennett some really fierce competition at left-back.
Jamie RobsonDundee United left-back Jamie Robson tracks Kallum Higginbotham
If Warnock wanted a left-back to provide cover for Bennett, he need look no further than Dundee United starlet Robson.
At just 19, the Scot is already attracting interest from a host of Championship clubs, with Sunderland and Derby County the latest to be linked with a January swoop.
Warnock has previously shown a willingness to exploit the Scottish market to extract value and in Robson he could have himself another discovery in the Callum Paterson mode.
The teenager is out of contract in the summer and seemingly destined for a bigger move. He could be available on the cheap in the New Year.
Billy Bodin (currently with Bristol Rovers)
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