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Tom Coleman

The four names who could well solve Cardiff City's biggest transfer problem

It's already been a busy summer for Cardiff City, but there's a real feeling that their recruitment drive isn't yet done.

With deadline day looming, the demands for another striker are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, particularly after another disappointing showing in the final third in Sunday's Severnside derby defeat to Bristol City.

Boss Steve Morison understandably cut a frustrated figure afterwards. Not only by the result, but by the persistent and, let's be honest, entirely valid, questions around a frontline that's mustered just three goals in all competitions this season.

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Asked about potential reinforcements, he said: "Someone is going to have to become available for it to be possible. Because there are absolutely zero names, because everyone wants to talk about it, but no one has got a name or are bringing anything to the table!

"The recruitment team are working hard on it. But at the minute there is no one. There is no one there. I bet no one in here can give me a name. I'm not asking that to be funny. I'm being serious, everyone is saying to get someone..."

Morison has also said that any player arriving on loan would likely come with little experience of the Championship, but that's not stopped the rumour mill churning out some names that well accustomed to this level.

Here's a quick look at some of them, and whether they could be a good fit for Morison's plans.

Jordan Hugill

It's not difficult to see why some are linking the Norwich City man with a return to the capital.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a reasonable loan spell in the capital during the second half of last season, scoring four goals in 19 appearances.

However, he has largely struggled to force his way into Dean Smith's plans during the opening few weeks of the season.

Dean Smith has already admitted he's not sure what the future will hold for the striker, who reminded everyone of his abilities by netting in the Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Speaking after the tie with the Cherries, Hugill said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen.

“Ultimately I’m here, and I’m keeping my head down and working hard to be ready for the chances that are given to me. Hopefully, I’ve done that.”

Cameron Archer

The 20-year-old seemed to be on his way to Watford this summer as part of the deal taking Ismaila Sarr to Aston Villa.

However, it seems that move has now broken down, prompting questions over what will happen next for the striker, who spent last season on loan at Preston North End.

Morison is a known admirer, having previously admitted he tried to sign him on loan back in January, but as things stand there's little evidence of him rekindling that interest - not yet anyway.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard hinted that Archer could be made available before the close of the window. "The window's still open," he said after the defeat to Crystal Palace. "He's very much a part of what we're trying to do here. He's a massive talent and we love the kid but we'll do the right thing by him in the coming days."

Archer came off the bench for Villa during their Carabao Cup second round win over Bolton Wanderers, and it remains to be seen where he fits in with Gerrard's plans. Were they to make Archer available, there certainly wouldn't be a shortage of suitors, with Preston keen on taking him back to Deepdale.

Reports elsewhere have perhaps highlighted a cause for concern from a Cardiff point of view. Indeed, it's believed Villa's preference is to send Archer to a Championship club with the financial resources available to fund the forward's pay package. One would think such demands would prove problematic to Cardiff were they to revive their interest.

Sam Surridge

Another player Cardiff were keen on back in January.

The Bluebirds came to within a whisker of bringing the 24-year-old to the capital on deadline day, before he decided to reunite with Steve Cooper, whom he played under at Swansea City.

Surridge has proved something of a hit at the City Ground, so far netting 10 goals for the Reds in 26 games, although it remains to be seen whether he'll receive much of an opportunity in the top flight going forward.

He's only made one start in the Premier League this term - the opening day defeat to Newcastle United - but offered a timely reminder of his abilities in front of goal with a brace against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.

The signing of Emmanuel Dennis from Watford may well see him slip down the pecking order, which could well increase the likelihood of a loan exit this month.

Jamal Lowe

Could it really happen?

The thought of the former Swansea City hero pulling on the blue of Cardiff seems a difficult one to really imagine whichever side of the South Wales derby you sit.

But it's a name the rumour mill seemingly continues to persistently repeat.

Certainly, on the face of things, he's a name that fits the bill, and he could well be a name that's available. At 28, he's clearly an experienced option at this level and anyone who saw him tear Cardiff to shreds in the South Wales derby nearly two years ago will know exactly what he's capable of.

Watford, Burnley and Sunderland have all been linked. But while he ticks a lot of boxes, sources have told WalesOnline there is almost no chance of a move to the capital materialising.

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