Erol Bulut addresses Ebou Adams' future after Derby County fans make feelings clear on Cardiff City man

Erol Bulut is expecting Ebou Adams to return to Cardiff City for pre-season, but is aware that promotion-winning Derby County may want to make his loan permanent.

The midfielder found himself too near the back of the queue in a congested area of Cardiff's squad and it appeared good for all parties that he head out on loan in the January transfer window.

And Pride Park was seemingly the perfect fit, with the Gambia international rapidly growing to become a fan favourite in the east Midlands.

READ MORE: Erol Bulut responds to Lazaros Rota links as Cardiff City transfer planning already under way

READ MORE: Erol Bulut reveals positive Cardiff City contract talks and specific details on table

Adams, 28, scooped the goal of the season award for the Rams for his strike in the 1-0 win over Blackpool back in March, a stunning half-volley with the outside of his foot from the edge of the area. Rams boss Paul Warne has waxed lyrical about the midfielder's impact, too.

However, he has another year left to run on his Bluebirds deal and with some outgoings expected in that department this summer, it is feasible his form at Derby could force him into the reckoning at Cardiff next term. Sign up to our Cardiff City newsletter here.

For Bulut, whose own contract is up in the air at the time of writing, he is happy for the impact Adams has had at his loan club and has not ruled out any possibility regarding the player's future.

"I congratulated him for the victory," Bulut said when asked about Adams' situation. "They got promoted. He was a big part from the season and helped the team a lot to get promoted.

"New season, if we are all together here, we will see how it goes. He is still under contract of Cardiff City - he is a Cardiff City player. So let's see how he thinks, how his manager is thinking, how the clubs are thinking - Cardiff City and Derby - and we will see.

"I think there was interest in him, very much, and they took him. But if [they want to sign him permanently], they have to discuss with our club."

WHATSAPP: Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community

Adams has proved a popular figure among the Rams faithful. Indeed, the supporters made their feelings clear when supporters chanted "sign him up" during the club's 2-0 win over Carlisle United last weekend.

When asked about his future after achieving promotion last weekend, Adams said: "I can't say it - it's so difficult! It's never goodbye from me.

"First of all I'm going to enjoy my summer! I don't know where I'm going to be. I'll enjoy my summer first and foremost and then we'll see where we're at, but I've enjoyed every single minute of it and thank you so much for having me here."

And on his relationship with the fans and those chants to nab him permanently, he added: "I think the fans have said it all. I've really enjoyed my time and I've loved it here. I've loved it. Honestly, I've enjoyed every single minute. Thank you to the fans, thank you to the club. I owe them so much.

"I'm happy to give them promotion, because that's the minimum they deserve. Hopefully next year they can go and do what they deserve to do."

Warne himself hasn't been asked specifically of late, but he played down the chances of Adams joining on a longer-term basis when quizzed on the situation in March.

He said at the time: "First and foremost he has been excellent and I think the world of Ebou. But this sounds like a football manager answer, which isn't like me, but he's Cardiff's player.

"They've kindly loaned him to us and while he wasn't in their plans for this period of time, it doesn't mean he won't be in their plans for the next period. Fundamentally, he's Cardiff's player. It's probably less likely than more likely."