Cardiff City news 17/05/01

Thurs 17th May 2001 - Latest rumours

So many names have been linked with the City over the last week. Some will have been names pulled out of the air, some I'm sure are players that we are in talks with. Two more names have been added to the list today. Simon Haworth, the ex City striker who is currently at Wigan and Stoke City's midfielder Graham Kavanagh. Both players were on losing sides in the Div 2 play offs last night and its thought both are looking for moves away for their respective clubs. Haworth left City for Coventry and has played in the Premiership for the Skyblues. Kavanagh, along with Haworth has had international experience. He is from Dublin and is highly thought of at Stoke City. He is looking for a move though and could cost around Ł100,000.

Carlton Palmer has been mentioned in the press today after he was released by Sheff Wed. Alan Cork has dismissed any talk of City making a new offer for his services.

So far we have been linked to the following players.

Goalkeepers
Roger Freestone (Swansea)- Rubbished by City and Swansea.
Alan Kelly (Blackburn)- Would be a great signing. Current Irish international.
Danny Coyne (Grimsby)- Speculation.
Gavin Ward (Stoke)- Speculation.
Dave Beasent (Forrest)- Speculation (he's also 40, not a long term option).
Andy Marriott has signed a two year deal with Barnsley.

Defenders
Ryan Green (Wolves)- player would love to come.
Neil Ruddock (Palace)- Speculation and probably too old.
Kit Symons (Fulham)- Speculation.
Andy Morrison (Man City)- Speculation.
Jason Price (Swansea)- Speculation.

Midfielders
Paul McClaren (Luton)- Luton admit player in talks with City.
Alan Neilson (Fulham)- Speculation.
Graham Kavanagh (Stoke)- Speculation.
Mark Hughes (Blackburn)- Unlikely but name always mentioned.
Carlton Palmer (Coventry)- No way says Cork.
Neil Lampton (Fulham)- Youth player. Named mentioned by several sources.

Srikers
Tony Cottee (Millwall)- Speculation.
Simon Haworth (Wigan)- Speculation.
Nathan Blake (Blackburn)- Player says he's not coming

Alan Cork has said he is looking for a keeper, a defender, a left back and a midfielder, possibly a striker as well. He also is looking for a couple of younger players to enhance the squad. Thats 7 players coming in. That would take the squad upto 35. Alan wants 25. Simple maths, 10 players to go. No retained list has been published yet. Al the squad players are under contract and the club do not want to pay them up. They will assist in finding new clubs for the unwanted players.

Cork has also said "We are looking for players who can play in the First and Second Division, who are aged 24-25 and who have around 200 League games under their belt." Some of the players above fit into that category, others obviously do not.

Sam has pledged Ł2m on transfer this summer so quality players can be purchased.