Here's your round-up of all the latest Cardiff City headlines for Thursday, June 9.
Mooney backs Bale move
FAW chief Noel Mooney admits he'd be delighted to see Gareth Bale return to Wales ahead of the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Wales boss Rob Page recently admitted a return to the capital would "tick a lot of boxes" as Bale prepares to lead his country into a first World Cup for 64 years, and it appears that Mooney is also in favour of the 32-year-old returning to his homeland this summer.
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He told Sky Sports: “He is a very special talent and we are very lucky that he is from Cymru (Wales), he grew up up the road in Whitchurch in Cardiff. His club situation is absolutely up to himself, who he signs for. I hope for him he makes the right decision in lots of ways.
“As long as he’s leading us out in the FIFA World Cup come November we’ll be happy. We are here at the Cardiff City Stadium, and the FAW is out at the Vale of Glamorgan, which is not so far.
“So from a logistical perspective, and the FAW being selfish about it, if he did come back to this area – or anywhere nearby to be fair – we’d be delighted because we’d see more of him. The more we see of Gareth the better. It doesn’t have to be Cardiff City by the way, but if he does come back to this part of the world we’d be very happy.”
Cardiff beat Swans to O'Dowda
Cardiff City's capture of Callum O'Dowda came despite interest from Sheffield United and bitter rivals Swansea City, WalesOnline has been told.
The Bluebirds confirmed the midfielder's arrival in the capital on Wednesday, with O'Dowda becoming the club's fifth summer signing.
The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the Cardiff City Stadium.
O'Dowda's chat with Pack
Staying with Callum O'Dowda's arrival, the Irishman claims that Bluebirds boss Steve Morison, as well as a chance conversation with Marlon Pack, helped convince him to sign with Cardiff City.
Asked about his reasoning behind the move to south Wales, he told the club's official website: "If I'm being totally honest it was the manager himself. I did have quite a lot of options, but I think it was the intent and the passion that he showed. Also the business that the club have been doing in the transfer window. It was just something I wanted to be part of.
"I think it was just his hunger and desire to do well in the game. I noticed it from the off. We were talking through styles of play, systems, formations. As a player that's the sort of things you look for.
"I'm at the stage of my career where I'm hungry. I want to achieve as much as I can and I feel as though I'm hitting my prime now. So it's kicking on with the right team, with the right manager and a fantastic club."
O'Dowda is the latest player to make the journey over the Severn, and he admits he's already discussed life in the capital with outgoing midfielder Park, who confirmed his departure on a free transfer earlier this summer.
"Funnily enough I bumped into Marlon just in the supermarket a few days ago and he couldn't speak highly enough of this club," he added. "It's good to know I'm in safe hands here."
Stoke poised to win Flint race
Stoke City are reportedly poised to secure a deal for Cardiff City’s departing centre-back Aden Flint, amid interest from Derby County.
According to journalist, Alan Nixon, it's the Potters that have now won the fight for his signature.
He tweeted: “Stoke City are set to sign centre half Aden Flint on a free transfer - after rushing through a deal. Flint was also wanted by Wayne Rooney’s Derby County but the Potters jumped in first to offer Championship football to the former Cardiff City giant.
“As revealed here at the start of the week, Stoke joined the race as they look to fill a gap left by Taylor Harwood-Bellis returning to Manchester City after his loan stay.”
Ojo a free agent
Former Cardiff City loanee has been released by Liverpool following the end of his contract at Anfield.
Ojo spent the 2020-21 season on loan in the Welsh capital and had a similar stint with Millwall last term. However, the winger will now be free to sign a permanent deal with another club this summer.
Loris Karius, Divock Origi and Wales international Ben Woodburn have also be released.
