The January transfer window has opened, but for Cardiff City it's a little bit different this time around.
OK, that might be understating it. It's a lot different. With the Bluebirds placed under a transfer embargo, trading in this window will be impossible unless the ban is lifted before the end of the month.
Under EFL rules, clubs are afforded the leniency to "staff up" to 23 players, which, it was initially thought, the Bluebirds would be able to do. However, WalesOnline understands that the transfer embargo has been imposed by FIFA, which supersedes the EFL ban, which renders the prospect of bringing players in impossible.
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It makes things a lot more tricky for Cardiff. They do, however, believe that they have a big playing squad and have enough to be able to cope with the rigours and demands of Championship football. Of course, they would like more quality, cutting edge and firepower in front of goal, but for the moment they will have to make do with what they have.
Sources continue to indicate that there is a confidence within with regards to overturning the transfer ban. However we are already one week into the window and one wonders whether time will get the better of them this month.
WalesOnline learned on Friday morning, however, that Cardiff are bringing one new face, so to speak, back into the fold. Mark McGuinness, who has been hugely impressive on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, has been recalled from his stint up at Hillsborough.
McGuinness has won his fair share of fans up in Yorkshire after being voted the supporters' Player of the Month for both November and December following a string of rock-solid performances at the back. You can read more about that here.
What that means for Curtis Nelson is as yet unclear. He has been linked with a few clubs, but we are told Cardiff have had nothing concrete put on the table for him in terms of a transfer offer. With McGuinness back in the mix, and Cedric Kipre and Perry Ng striking up a lovely partnership at the back, Nelson's situation might be one to keep an eye on this month.
In terms of other departures, WalesOnline has learned that Ollie Tanner is close to sealing a move to York City. A number of teams registered an interest in the 20-year-old winger, including League Two outfit Harrogate Town, however it was believed York's plan for him and how he fitted into the side would be more conducive to his progress over the coming months.
When asked about Tanner's ability in Thursday's press conference, Hudson, who admitted a deal for him to leave was close, said of the player: "We have worked on him and the physios have done a brilliant job. The beginning of the season was the first time he came back into full-time football and then he got injured.
"I got back to it. He could only do 60 minutes and then not train for three or four days. So we built him up to play 90 minutes and then train regularly after. Then play 90 again. He is looking physically stronger. If a deal does come forward, I spoke to Ollie about finding the right one for him.
"The next progression for him is to find a better level than he was playing before (at Lewes) and to go and impact that. We will find the right club for him. He is a great kid who has worked so hard."
Next up, then, let's look at the loans. Cedric Kipre does not have a recall clause in his year-long loan at Cardiff, so he is unable to go back to West Brom and will be staying put for the rest of the season. Music to Cardiff fans' ears.
The club are happy with Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene, who hit a streak of white-hot form before the World Cup break, and would like him to stay for the remainder of the campaign, too.
It is understood that Cardiff and Everton spoke on Thursday regarding Niels Nkounkou and decided that, unless something drastic happens this month, it would be best for him to stay in the Welsh capital to continue his progress. Callum O'Dowda is now playing in front of the Frenchman and he will have to fight to earn his place back in the side after some sub-par defensive outings.
Sources at the club have indicated that O'Dowda is enjoying playing at left-back and insiders also believe that he could even play a higher standard, perhaps even Premier League, in that position if that is the avenue he wants to go down. In essence, any fan queries over whether O'Dowda would be happy at left-back, given he has typically been a winger all of his career, have been quashed.
Max Watters has, of course, sealed a move to Barnsley in League One. It's a level he thrived at last season with MK Dons and City hope he can find the back of the net regularly again over the next few months. Because, for whatever reason, it just hasn't worked for him at Cardiff.
We also learned that James Crole would step up to senior football but drop into Non-League with Torquay United, where Kieron Evans is currently impressing. Mark Hudson has a good relationship with assistant manager Aaron Downes at Plainmoor and the club are confident the loan can be beneficial to the 18-year-old.
Finally, Vontae Campbell is primed to leave the club on loan this month. Even with Mahlon Romeo's injury, Cardiff believe they have enough options in Tom Sang and Ng, especially after McGuinness' recall, to cover that right-back position.
Campbell has struggled to really make an impact since signing from Leicester City in the summer window and the club are keen for him to go out there and get some regular first-team football. A deal for him to leave does not appear close as things stand, though.
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