Bluebirds in a hurry to snap up Wales ace Harry?

CARDIFF City are trying to bring in two new players before the transfer window closes today – with Liverpool’s Harry Wilson one of the targets.

Bluebirds boss Neil Harris has drawn up an exciting list of players he hopes to get over the line with 11thhour deals.

Barnsley’s Cauley Woodrow and West Brom striker Charlie Austin are other men Cardiff are keen to bring in, and there is a further winger Harris is also believed to be looking at.

Each of the potential deals, we understand, have major financial complications around them.

Because of that, particularly in the current Covid-19 climate when Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan’s leisure business has been badly hit, it is entirely possible Cardiff will sign no-one.

However, Cardiff still hope to get two players in for the rest of the 202021 campaign, even if it means loan deals, and behind the scenes negotiations will take place to try to strike agreements.

Harris is optimistic of signing new faces, saying: “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 move for Wales star Wilson is the one that will excite lots of Bluebirds fans the most, although as things stand Cardiff are viewed as outsiders to land his signature. The 23-year-old bagged 15 goals for Derby at Championship level two years ago and would supply the goal power and creativity that has been sorely missing from Harris’ team so far this season.

But Wilson is also wanted by Cardiff’s arch-rivals Swansea City and his old club Derby, as well Nottingham

Forest, as Liverpool look to loan him out.

Wilson’s wages are not thought to be a problem, but Liverpool are said to want a £1m loan fee for the season.

Already it seems that has put off Swansea, but Cardiff would still need to come from behind to tie up a deal for a player Harris knows would instantly improve his side and who would greatly enthuse the fans.

Derby appear favourites to land Wilson at the moment, given how much he enjoyed his time there previously, but these things can change fast as the window closure approaches.

Jurgen Klopp wants Wilson to shine for another season with a promotionchasing Championship team with a view to selling him for close on £20million next summer. Cardiff are also in talks with Barnsley about landing Woodrow, who can play striker or 10.

There appears to be a difference in opinion over the size of the transfer fee, with Barnsley thought to be demanding around £2m, but it remains possible the gap can be bridged.

Harris rates Woodrow highly and knows how well he linked up with Kieffer Moore when the pair were together at Barnsley.

Moore, of course, has also begun to strike up an understanding with Wilson at international level.

West Brom’s Austin is another Harris is talking to and he has a proven goal record which could benefit a Bluebirds’ promotion push.

But with Moore and Robert Glatzel already on board as centre-forwards, Austin is not necessarily viewed as big a priority as Wilson or Woodrow.

Harris is also chasing a winger, which would further bolster his creative options.

It is clear the manager has identified Cardiff’s forward play as the main area of the team that needs strengthening,

something that has become apparent with Cardiff failing to score in three of their five matches so far this season.

There has been far too heavy a reliance on Lee Tomlin to create and get goals, but his fitness cannot be relied upon. The presence of Wilson or Woodrow, or even the pair of them, would resolve that dilemma and take much of the pressure off Tomlin.

It would also give Cardiff one of the most feared forward lines in the Championship, to supplement their already strong defence and hardworking midfield.

Cardiff know they have got to supply better service to Wales striker Moore in the penalty box, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing having left, Junior Hoilett not firing as well as he was two years ago and Sheyi Ojo still finding his feet at his new club.

Contrary to reports linking Joe Bennett with Watford, we are told there have been no bids from the Hornets.