It’s no secret that Neil Warnock wants to put his own stamp on his Cardiff City side as they challenge for promotion to the Premier League next season.
The 68 year-old has expressed his desire to bring in his own recruits as he looks for a record eighth promotion in his time as a manager.
It was revealed this morning that the probability of central defender Bruno Manga remaining in South Wales past this summer was very unlikely, with the former QPR boss saying that he has already set his sights on a more than capable replacement.
Manga’s departure would leave just three senior centre-backs at the club in the form of Sol Bamba, Sean Morrison and Matthew Connolly which begs the question, who could this mystery defender be?
Damien Delaney
Part of Warnock’s Crystal Palace side in 2014, Delaney’s current deal at Selhurst Park is due to expire in the summer.
At the age of 35, Delaney is somewhat a more experienced option but would be more than suited for the Championship.
The former Hull City man would be inclined to sign a one-year deal with the option of an extra year should the Bluebirds get promoted, and would be a reliable body to have in the middle of a slightly in-experinced City back line.
James Tarkowski
Currently plying his trade in the Premier League, Tarkowski is a bench warmer for recently promoted Burnley.
Making just 17 appearances for Sean Dyche’s side after his move in 2016, the 24 year-old has vast Championship experience with Brentford. Likely to be in with a chance of first-team football would be a huge factor in trying to lure Tarkowski away from Turf Moor.
However, with Michael Keane set to leave in this summer’s transfer window the former Oldham man might see this as his chance to get some much needed Premier League experience.
Marc Roberts
Roberts has been in fine form for Barnsley this season and may have caught the eye of the ever observant Warnock.
80 appearances since his move from Halifax Town in 2015 has seen the 26 year-old score four goals and become a solid central defender in a successful season for Barnsley.
The Tykes might demand a large fee for Roberts who was subject to Premier League interest in January – with a figure of 3.5m apparently sounding appealing to the Yorkshire side.
Charlie Mulgrew
Should Blackburn be relegated from the Championship at the end of this season, Mulgrew would be keen on a move away from League One.
Signed by Owen Coyle, Mulgrew hasn’t played for Blackburn since their 1-1 draw with the Bluebirds back at the beginning of March.
Signing a three-year deal in the summer, the 31 year-old might cost the Bluebirds a slightly inflated fee but with Warnock suggesting he only wants to spend six million over the course of the transfer window, splashing the cash on a solid centre half such as Mulgrew would put his mind at rest.
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