Cardiff City linked with January move for Ligue 1 defender

Cardiff City are said to be interested in a Ligue 1 defender this month. Plenty has been made of the Bluebirds’ search for a striker, but they may well strengthen other positions before the winter window closes in the best part of three weeks’ time.

City boss Erol Bulut has already hinted at signings, suggesting two deals are ‘close’ to going through, although he was hesitant to put a timeline on those deals being wrapped up. Bulut has made it clear he wants to add a striker, and the Bluebirds may even add two after seeing Ike Ugbo recalled this week.

As for other positions, it remains unclear where Bulut will prioritise, though a holding midfielder wouldn’t go amiss amid struggled to slow down fast-paced games at times this season. Though, the latest reports suggest an interest in a defender who is likely to be on the move this month.

Nantes defender Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel is said to be of interest, according to L’Équipe, with the 25-year-old having missed out on the French club’s Marbella training camp recently. Pierre-Gabriel only joined Nantes from Mainz in the summer, making 12 league appearances since, but he could already be on the move.

MLS side Toronto FC are also said to be interested, and they may hold the edge given Cardiff’s now frosty relationship with Nantes. The Bluebirds have been locked in a legal battle with the French club over the payment of fees relating to the transfer of the late Emiliano Sala.