CITY GO WILD FOR NEW BOY YANIC
DUTCH ACE SIGNS ON LOAN... AND WARNOCK TARGETS MORE NEW RECRUITS
NEIL Warnock has lauded the loan arrival of Yanic Wildschut, but says it can only be the start of the Bluebirds’ business this month if the club aren’t to waste their promotion opportunity.
Warnock worked tirelessly to land the surprise signing of 26-year-old winger Wildschut from Norwich, a player he was keen on before he made a £7m move to Carrow Road from Wigan 12 months ago.
It’s a signing that’s clearly lifted the 69-year-old’s spirits, stressing his versatility and direct running style fits perfectly for his plans to get over the recent dip in results and return to the form that has left them well-placed for a push on the Premier League.
But he is determined for his squad strengthening not to stop there, having pressed home the need for “quality” additions in midfield and possibly up front.
Warnock has identified his midfield target and is hoping he gets a green light to push on with a potential deal, that has so far been frustrated in attempts to make early headway.
The veteran boss has seen bids rejected for Bolton striker Gary Madine, with a deal now thought to be unlikely, while Lewis Grabban has been mentioned, though Warnock insisted he has other irons in the fire in terms of boosting the frontline.
Speaking ahead of the televised clash with Sunderland today, Warnock said: “It’s an opportunity we can’t afford to miss. I think the chairman and the owners know my feelings that we do need a bit of help.
“Getting Wildschut on board is a good start, but they know how hard I’m working to get another one or two players into the squad because I do believe that will give us a good opportunity to stay in that top six.
“I think the sort of quality we’re talking about bringing in will only help the players, and me and the staff because everybody needs a bit of a lift. Yanic coming through the door will give me a lift because I know how much I rate him.
“It’s been hard work – I’ve never worked as hard for a loan signing in my life – and it’s been a long week for me and trying to get others in as well. We’re a little bit further down the line in that respect; we hit a brick wall in the week but now we’re looking at next week hopefully bringing another one in.
“If we can get another one next week, or maybe even two before the end of the window I’d be delighted. We’re looking for better than we have, so it’s not dozens we’re looking at for certain areas, there’s only one or two like that in areas that fit our budget and wage bill and we have to get them on board if we can as quickly as possible.”
Warnock says he has not given up on any of his transfer targets so far when pressed on Madine and Bournemouth striker Grabban, but added: “I don’t know about those particular names being top of the list, we’ve got a number of options we’ve been speaking about.
“I’m not saying I’m optimistic but we have to be positive and hope they want to come and join what is a very good club.”
The chance to fight for a place in the top-flight has helped secure the services of former Netherlands Under-21 man Wildschut, the attacking threat who fell out of favour at Norwich under Daniel Farke, but who remained admired by Warnock.
The agreement sees him stay at Cardiff City Stadium until the end of the campaign, with a permanent move to South Wales a possibility; Wildschut would have one year remaining on his Norwich contract at the end of the current campaign.
The Ajax youth product could be available for the 12.30pm kick-off against Chris Coleman’s Black Cats, with Warnock beaming: “He’s someone I’ve liked for a long time. I actually tried to buy him before Norwich did, but the fee was far more than we would have paid so we didn’t have a chance.
“But I’ve always liked him and his attitude and versatility will help us in our situation. It’s a loan until the end of the season with an option, if we went up we’d take him automatically and if we don’t we’ll discuss it, but right now we’re just glad to have him on board.
“He can play wide, he can play up front as well – I saw him do that a couple of times last season and he did very well – and at the moment we’re so thin on the ground in that area it helps.
“And it will suit how we play: he’s our type, he’ll run at people, he’s exciting, I like watching him because his first thought is positive, committing and going at people, that’s what I like about wide players and strikers.”