There may not be just a transfer window opening at Cardiff City Stadium in the summer, but a revolving door looks set to be installed at the club.
With manager Russell Slade saying that he has been given some licence to dip into the transfer market and some high-earners, under-achievers or never-flourished to depart, it could be all change.
Slade admitted early into his reign that the Bluebirds weren’t shopping at Harrods anymore, but the amount of players out of contract in the summer also means he doesn’t have to browse in the £1.20 Shop either.
Here are some of the faces who could catch the Cardiff chief’s attention.
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Goalkeepers
Tomasz Kuszczak (Wolves): The former Manchester United No.1 has returned to the limelight with a short-term deal at Wolves. But the 33-year-old’s agreement runs out in June.
Lukasz Zaluska (Celtic): Another Pole who is looking to move from Celtic on the look-out for regular first-team football and could possibly swap Scotland for Wales.
Adam Federici (Reading): The Aussie goalkeeper actually scored against Cardiff in 2008, but has yet to discuss a new deal at the Madejski Stadium. But prone to an odd error, as the FA Cup semi-final showed.
Darren Randolph (Birmingham): The Irishman is out-of-contract at St Andrew’s and has shown he’s not afraid of hard work behind the creaky Birmingham defence.
Defenders
Paul Konchesky (Leicester): Remembered in the Welsh capital for his storming goal in the 2006 FA Cup final for West Ham at the Millennium Stadium. Would provide experience down the left
Paul McShane (Hull): Regained first-team place after falling out with manager Steve Bruce. But his contract may not be decided until Hull’s Premier League fate is known.
Tal Ben Haim (Charlton): Still playing international football with Israel, but may be moving on from Charlton. Could appreciate a trip down the M4 to extend his career.
Tim Hoogland (Fulham): The German defender has found it hard to settle at Craven Cottage since moving from Schalke. Scored against Cardiff earlier in season, but deal is set to end.
Stephen Kelly (Reading): There may be a few clubs in the running for the Republic of Ireland full-back if he leaves the Madejski. A good, dependable defender.
Lewis Buxton (Sheffield Wed): Still hasn’t signed a new deal at Hillsborough and his versatility could attract suitors, with his ability to play centre-back as well as full-back.
Midfield
Stephen Quinn (Hull): Another Tiger whose future remains in doubt as Hull fight top-flight relegation. An unselfish midfielder, whose hard work often goes unnoticed.
Karl Henry (QPR): Cardiff’s midfield needs a bit of dog, and Henry is a real terrier. Hasn’t shone in the Premier League, but would boost any Championship club.
Darren Pratley (Bolton): Now here’s a story, a former Swan joining Cardiff? Well, it’s possible, with Pratley’s Bolton deal up and the Bluebirds looking for goals from midfield.
Ben Pringle (Rotherham): Slade isn’t afraid to raid the Millers, see Alex Revell, but Pringle is a different prospect. At 25, he can sparkle on a different stage.
Chris Humphrey (Preston): The Jamaica international has been a pacy presence in Preston’s League One charge, but he has yet to sign a new deal and has alerted the likes of Celtic.
Paul Anderson (Ipswich): Another former Swan, and another whose new deal could depend on what league Ipswich are in. But he’s been important part of the Tractor Boys’ play-off push.
Chris Baird (WBA): Vastly-experienced Northern Ireland man who can provide cover in midfield or at the back. Could make a big impression as a squad man in the long Championship season.
Ross Wallace (Burnley): Has had his moments in Burnley’s bid for survival in the Premier League, but, again, his fate could be determined by the Clarets’ final finishing position.
Strikers
Bakary Sako (Wolves): Looks likely to be available, but may be out of Cardiff’s league in these new days of austerity. Still, there’s no harm in dreaming of his goals lifting the Bluebirds.
Hugo Rodallega (Fulham): The Colombian has had a disappointing time of late at Fulham after a stellar start there. May have to take a wage cut to move to Wales, though.
Simon Church (Charlton): Has continued to thrive at international level for Wales while struggling to hold down a first-team place at his club. May appreciate a move to a Welsh club.
Bobby Zamora (QPR): The veteran has already scored winning play-off final goals twice in his career (for West ham and QPR). If he leaves Loftus Road, he could make it third time lucky at Cardiff.
Ian Henderson (Rochdale): Slade has already shown he’ll dip into League One for a goalscorer in Eoin Doyle. Henderson has blossomed in the last four years and made be worth a risk.
Tom Pope (Port Vale): The same applies to the Port Vale striker, who looks set to leave his boyhood club for bigger things. Vale boss Rob Page is a former Bluebird, so a deal could be done.
Chris Maguire (Sheff Wed): The Scotland international has had an up-and-down time at Hillsborough, but on his day is a real handful for defenders. Would provide a decent option for Slade.
