' New Striker that Cardiff is currently watching '

The truth behind Cardiff City's Bristol Rovers scouting trip to watch prolific striker and likelihood of a deal

By Glen Williams

Friday 24th January 2020

The Bluebirds are certainly looking to bring in a player who will add quality to the forward line and have recently sent scouts to watch the powerful forward in action

One forward closer to home has been catching the eye of the Bluebirds' recruitment department.

Jonson Clarke-Harris has been prolific for Bristol Rovers since he joined from Coventry almost a year ago. He has scored 22 goals in 40 games for the Gas and, understandably, Championship clubs have pricked up their ears.

It is understood a number of second tier clubs, namely Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough, Luton Town, Preston North End, Hull City, QPR, Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic have joined the Bluebirds in sending scouts to watch the Rovers frontman recently.

Here, we ask Rovers correspondent Sam Frost from our colleagues at BristolLive to talk us through the Bluebirds' interest, what type of player he is and why the Gas would be willing to let him go.


How concrete is Cardiff's interest?

Many clubs have been interested in Clarke-Harris off the back of his brilliant performances in the blue and white quarters.

He pretty much single-handedly steered the Gas clear of relegation last season after joining in the January transfer window, and he started this season in a similar fashion.

However, his form has dipped of late. He has not scored in open play since mid-November after returning from a calf injury which ruled him out for several weeks, so while Cardiff – like other clubs – have watched JCH, we believe the Bluebirds scouting is just due diligence rather than a concrete interest and Rovers would be looking for a substantial fee.



What type of striker is he?

He's a big, strong target man with a brilliant left-foot. What he lacks in finesse, he makes up with power and brute force.






Are Rovers keen to let him go? If so, why?

On the record, Rovers have not stated any of their players are 'for sale', per se, but they have said every player has their price and if their valuation for Clarke-Harris is met he will certainly go.

They're looking for a fee in the region of £2million, which would be a healthy boost to their coffers, and understandably the player wants to test himself at the highest level he can, so the move makes sense.

From Rovers' perspective, given the striker's dip in form their eagerness to cash in while they can will likely be growing. With 18 months left on his contract, his value will be decreasing dramatically as each window passes.








Would he be a good addition for Cardiff (or any Championship club for that matter)?

It's a difficult one. His first 10 months at Rovers indicated he was more than capable of playing at a higher level, but his form in the past few months may raise some concerns.

Clubs will also be concerned by his durability and injury record, but I think in the right environment he can be a success at that level. He will need a team to play in his way though.

He flourished under Graham Coughlan, who freed him from defensive duties and encouraged the direct service he thrives on, and if a Championship team were to sign him in this window they would likely need to do the same to get the most out of him.






Who else is interested and where is his most likely destination?

A few other Championship clubs are sniffing around but not many have the cash required readily available without selling assets first.

Charlton Athletic have been the most heavily linked club of late and with a new owner and a manager under pressure you can understand their desire to bring in a goalscorer in this window.

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Sounds like a Keifer Moore type,still,sounds like the type we are apparently after.

Scouts are not going far same as last year
just over the severn bridge to bristol
tomlin, pack, flint, are they on a conveyor belt

nothing like ambition ....Cardiff board will get a stiff neck looking downwards all the time

Watched him play for Rotherham a few times as a youngster and I was surprised Bristol Rovers managed to sign him, as he struck me as a striker with lots of potential. He's a powerful, mobile striker who puts it about. It would be a breath of fresh air seeing someone like him come in and give opposing centre backs the physical test that only Paterson can manage. I wouldn't be against this signing at all.

nothing like ambition ....Cardiff board will get a stiff neck looking downwards all the time

Sometimes it’s good to look down some of them just need a break look at vardy

nothing like ambition ....Cardiff board will get a stiff neck looking downwards all the time

Sometimes it’s good to look down some of them just need a break look at vardy

The sky generation only interested in big names. I say if they money is ok then sign him up.

Bristol City after Nahki Wells that’s ambition

Watched him play for Rotherham a few times as a youngster and I was surprised Bristol Rovers managed to sign him, as he struck me as a striker with lots of potential. He's a powerful, mobile striker who puts it about. It would be a breath of fresh air seeing someone like him come in and give opposing centre backs the physical test that only Paterson can manage. I wouldn't be against this signing at all.

Ross, that's interesting and than you for sharing; we don't here so much from you of late?

He haven’t scored since November and he missed a penalty for them today