https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foo ... f-15520274although he could not deny that Cardiff City were tracking Nantes forward Emiliano Sala — nor his presence at Nantes' 3-2 win over Marseille in midweek — his revelation that the Bluebirds wanted two other players who featured in the match was intriguing.
“It could have been a full-back or a midfielder but, if I told you the name, it wouldn’t be as interesting story then, would it?"
It was a tantalising line, but a process of elimination may actually lead fans to identifying the players.
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Neil Warnock's transfer update reveals the three players Cardiff City scouted during Nantes v Marseille
Cardiff want a central midfielder, as well as a right-back. We can already discount former Bluebirds favourite Fabio based on what Warnock said , so these are the players from Nantes and Marseille who fit the bill...
Kevin Strootman
CM, Marseille
We'll start with an unlikely one.
Marseille's Dutch midfield maestro Strootman has been linked with Manchester United in recent years and, although he played in the match Warnock and Kevin Blackwell watched, he would surely be out of Cardiff's price range.
Luiz Gustavo
CM, Marseille
The experienced Brazilian, 31, lined up alongside Strootman for the visitors at Stade de la Beaujoire on Wednesday night, but is another whose financial demands may be slightly beyond the Bluebirds' reach.
The former Bayern Munich star is contracted to Marseille until 2021 so it would take a hefty bid to prise him away from the French Riviera.
Luiz Gustavo of Marseille in Europa League action against Frankfurt (Image: 2018 Getty Images)
Morgan Sanson
CM, Marseille
Completing the Marseille midfield was Sanson, a 24-year-old midfield player with an eye for goal and 10 appearances for France's Under-21s under his belt.
He would certainly prove a good signing for a Premier League club, showing huge potential in Ligue 1 this season.
But again, it may take upwards of £20million to land him on a permanent deal and he's probably more of an attack-minded player than Warnock is looking for.
Bouna Sarr
FB, Marseilles
If Cardiff want a right-back who could play wide of a back five, Marseille man Sarr could be the man.
The 26-year-old can play a number of positions down the right flank, possessing great athleticism and a rising reputation in the French league. He certainly appears to fit the bill.
Valentin Rongier
CM, Nantes
Nantes' French midfielder Valentin Rongier
Nantes' French midfielder Valentin Rongier
Rongier, 24, is the Nantes captain and a midfield general whose value in recent years has risen steadily.
He may be short in stature at 5 ft 7, but if Warnock wants another Aron Gunnarsson type player in his engine room, Rongier could be a perfect fit.
It could cost between £10million and £15million to bring him to Cardiff, but Rongier would certainly add quality.
Enock Kwateng
RB, Nantes
Kwateng is a young right-back who played for Nantes in the game and has broken through into the first team this season with a string of impressive displays.
At just 20 but having played for France at every age level he would represent a raw — but potentially cheaper — option at right-back for Cardiff in January.
Looking to Cardiff City's January transfer window
Ahead of the January transfer window, we've been writing lots of interesting stuff:
Rotherham United v Cardiff City - Pre-Season Friendly
Fan columnist Scott Johnson wrote about the pros and cons of Cardiff's strategy
Cardiff City want a defensive midfielder, plus a striker and right-back on their January wish-list
The Bluebirds are therefore targeting Nathaniel Clyne on loan from Liverpool
We looked back at what's become of the 29 signings made by Warnock at Cardiff
Nathan Blake floated the idea of signing Aaron Ramsey in a compelling column
We re-told the story of Cardiff's last Premier League transfer window
Neil Warnock went to France to scout players
Abdoulaye Toure
CM, Nantes
Sharing a name with two Premier League icons, Toure has every attribute to make a major name for himself in his own right.
He's big (6 ft 2in), powerful and solid in defensive midfield — just what Warnock is looking for in terms of bolstering that position.
Like many in Nantes' improving side, his value is on the rise. He was linked with a £10.5million move to Burnley in the summer, so don't be surprised if Cardiff have to come in with a serious offer in January.
Andrei Girotto
CM, Nantes
Another rock-solid defensive midfielder whose height and tenacity would be valued in a Warnock team, even if he's not as highly rated as Toure or Rongier in the Nantes setup.
The 26-year-old moved from his native Brazil to Ligue 1 in summer 2017 and would still be available on the cheap — at between £2-5million.