We’re trying really hard to bring in new faces, insists Harris

NEIL Harris insists he’s confident of adding to his squad before the end of the domestic transfer window, and has played down the prospect of any departures before the window slams shut, writes Tom Coleman.

The Bluebirds are keen on bringing new faces on board before the close of the domestic deadline today at 5pm, with Harris particularly keen on strengthening his forward options.

While admitting the club are finding it difficult to get deals done, Harris is clearly optimistic about the prospect of arrivals at Cardiff City Stadium.

“I do expect us to be active in the next 36 hours,” he said. “History tells us that, but also the conversations I’ve been having with the board.

“We’re trying. We’re trying really hard. The board have been fantastic, working hard to get people in.

“I’m confident we’ll be doing some business over the course of the next 36 hours.”

The likes of Cauley Woodrow, Dion Sanderson and Harry Wilson have all been linked with the Bluebirds over the last few days, but Harris is remaining tightlipped on where things stand with their current list of targets.

“I’ve seen us linked with a few players over the course of the last few days,” Harris said when quizzed on potential targets.

“Some have some substance. Some are way off the mark.”

Speaking Woodrow, specifically on Harris added:

“Cauley’s a very good player at this level, but it’s very difficult at the moment to look at doing permanent deals.

“That’s why you’re not seeing any, and why the Paterson deal for example took so long to do. Permanent deals are so difficult for Championship clubs.”

While the priority remains on strengthening his forward options, Harris is also keen on bringing in another right back before the close of the window, with Wolves youngster Sanderson recently heavily linked with a return.

“Dion’s been talked about before. He’s got himself into a position at Wolves where he’s really well thought of. He did well for us last year.

“If a deal was to happen to us or anyone else, it will probably be a last-minute call from Wolves.”

As well as incomings, there have also been several players touted for moves away, including centre-back Aden Flint, who has reportedly attracted attention from elsewhere in the Championship.

However, Harris has played down the prospect of Flint, or indeed anyone else, heading out the door.

“I’m always conscious of players that haven’t appeared as much. Players want to play and Aden falls into that category.

“I like Aden Flint. He’s a great guy. He’s a huge professional and he’s a top Championship player. He’s extremely patient, waiting behind Morrison and Nelson, who’ve been one of the best pairings in the division over the last nine months.”