Disaster, catastrophe, humiliation. When it comes to describing Cardiff City's limp showing in Saturday's South Wales derby, you can take your pick of the above, although some Bluebirds fans may well be using some more colourful language to describe it all. Derby humiliations are becoming all too common in the capital.
The 4-0 defeat to the Swans will have hurt fans and, hopefully, the players too, although Steve Morison has already expressed hope that his side can move on and focus on the bigger picture. But this calamity will certainly place the final few weeks of Cardiff's season under the microscope, ahead of what could be a huge summer.
It already seemed likely there would be a huge revamp of Morison's squad at the end of the season. Now, summer plans have come under sharper focus. Plans are seemingly already in place, with Cardiff set to cast the net beyond these shores and across Europe as they bid to bring new faces on board. Indeed, a number of irons are already in the fire as we approach the final few weeks of the current season.
Read more: The transfer status of every Cardiff City player as huge summer overhaul looms
Here's a hypothetical look at what could happen and the best-case scenarios:
Who to keep
There probably isn't much in the way of saleable assets in this squad, although Rubin Colwill's recent heroics this season have seen him tipped for Premier League stardom, and he now seems the most likely to command a sizeable price tag. The decision to hand Isaak Davies a new deal, too, was partially due to alleged interest from the top flight, although it seems unlikely Cardiff would look to sell either player this summer.
The core of promising young players is likely to be at the heart of Morison's plans for the new season, although he will no doubt value the experience of certain senior pros. Joe Ralls is likely to be one of those, and it's understood he is the most likely of all of Cardiff's out-of-contract stars to put pen to paper on a new deal at the end of the season.
Sean Morrison could potentially be offered a short-term extension as he works his way back from injury, while there is perhaps a case for keeping players such as Aden Flint, Will Vaulks and Alex Smithies, although there is every chance all three will be allowed to leave as the club attempts to rebuild the squad.
Who to let go
Isaac Vassell, Josh Murphy and Ciaron Brown look almost certain to be allowed to leave, and there won't be too many tears if Leandro Bacuna joined them. Marlon Pack had previously been a key part of this side, but hasn't been in a matchday squad since the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool, and looks similarly likely to head out the door.
Clearing the decks appears to be a likely scenario, with Morison ready to streamline his squad in a way which leaves every member with a role to play. Some of the loanees, too, seem unlikely to return. Jordan Hugill's parent club Norwich City look destined to be playing in the same division as Cardiff next term, and he himself has previously suggested he would like to give things another go at Carrow Road (you can read more about that here).
Alfie Doughty looks similarly unlikely to return, while the finances involved might well prohibit a return for Uche Ikpeazu, although parent club Middlesbrough certainly seem willing to cash in on the striker. Speaking of cashing in, there is also the possibility the club may look to offload striker James Collins and goalkeeper Dillon Phillips, both of whom have found themselves on the periphery of proceedings.
Incomings
Staying with the loanees, Tommy Doyle is likely to be on Morison's shopping list again, with Manchester City believed to be impressed with the midfielder's progress in the Welsh capital. Keeping him on board would be a huge boost ahead of the new campaign, but his performances are bound to have attracted attention from elsewhere too.
The same largely goes for Cody Drameh, who was perhaps the only player to emerge with any real credit following the hammering at the hands of the Swans. Indeed, the Leeds United loanee is arguably one of Cardiff's most important players at the moment, and there is clearly some enthusiasm to keep him on board. As with Doyle, keeping the 20-year-old would be a huge boost for the Bluebirds, but there are no guarantees over any potential return. A decision over what happens next is unlikely to be taken until Leeds gather for pre-season, but judging by his recent comments, it seems Drameh has no intention of returning to under-23s football. You can read more about that here. The player's form has attracted admiring glances from others in the Premier League, as well as the Championship, which could well complicate matters. But Cardiff will surely feel they are well-placed to seal a return.
Given the number of potential departures, a goalkeeper, a centre-half, a midfielder, striker and wide player are all believed to be on Cardiff's wish list. Former Newcastle United keeper Jak Alnwick has already been heavily linked, while in-form League Two striker Brandon Asante-Thomas and Portsmouth full-back Mahlon Romeo have also been mentioned in recent weeks. TNS forward Declan McManus is another player who Cardiff have watched, and it is understood they will continue to assess him, possibly even into the summer, with the Welsh champions set to embark on a Champions League qualifying campaign.
Finally, there is Gareth Bale. Morison described Cardiff's hopes of signing Bale as little more than a "pipe dream" at present, but stopped short of categorically ruling it out. The financial complexities, on the face of it, appear to render it a highly unlikely move. Indeed, even if Bale was interested in making the move to his hometown club it's difficult to really see how the financial side of things would work. But it's a rumour which nevertheless continues to linger. Whatever else happens, signing one of Welsh football's greatest ever names would surely elevate Cardiff's transfer window from ideal to sheer dreamland.
