Yahoo News Tonight's Cardiff City transfer news as medicals booked in and Kieffer Moore deal agreed
These are your Cardiff City headlines on Thursday, July 11
Medicals booked in
Things are really start to crank up at Cardiff City, with the Bluebirds closing in on two deals.
Yesterday it emerged the Bluebirds were close to an agreement with free agent Chris Willock, formerly of QPR. Manager Erol Bulut confirmed after last night's friendly defeat to Kidderminster Harriers that a deal was now close for the midfielder.
"We've been interested in him since last January," Bulut added. "We had some talks, we tried to get some players in - one of them being Willock.
"I think he has the skills that maybe our wingers didn't have last season. One-against-one situations and going direct to goal to score goals. I think with Willock we will have more attacking, create more chances and score goals, I hope. Last season at QPR he scored four goals and four assists.
READ MORE: Cardiff City in talks to sign Aston Villa star as Bulut's summer ramps up
READ MORE: Erol Bulut says Cardiff City close to three signings as he gives update on Ebou Adams
"If you see from the last three or four seasons what he did at QPR, he did really good. He’s 26 years old, a very good age where you can expect much more things and we expect more from what he showed last season."
That deal could be concluded today, while a medical has also been booked in for Aston Villa defender Calum Chambers, WalesOnline understands.
Talks are under way to bring the former Arsenal defender to the Welsh capital in what would be seen as a real coup for the club.
Chambers is understood to be Cardiff's chief defensive target. Read more here.
Moore nears Hull move
Kieffer Moore is closing in on a move to Hull City.
Our colleagues at HullLive report the Tigers have struck a deal with Bournemouth to sign the striker on a permanent deal.
It would draw to an end a transfer saga that's been dragging on for some time. The Bluebirds were keen to land their former forward last summer and then again in January, before he ended up signing for Ipswich Town on loan.
Sheffield United showed interest in the target man but it appears Hull have now won the race. He will sign a three-year deal at MKM Stadium.
Cardiff remain keen on bolstering their own goalscoring options this summer.
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Pre-season schedule in full confirmed
Cardiff will face Mamelodi Sundowns in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 23, while on tour in Austria.
The fixture will take place at Waldstadion, Westendorf, with kick-off at 4pm local time.
The match against the South African champions will be the middle fixture during our trip and completes the pre-season schedule.
2024 pre-season fixtures
Cardiff City vs. K.V. Kortrijk. Cardiff International Sports Campus, Saturday 13th July, 12pm.
Cardiff City vs. Penybont FC. Cardiff International Sports Campus, Tuesday 16th July, 7:30pm.
Hamburger SV vs. Cardiff City. Smaragd-Arena, Bramberg, Sunday 21st July, 6pm (local time).
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Cardiff City. Waldstadion, Westendorf, Tuesday 23rd July, 4pm (local time).
Hertha BSC vs. Cardiff City. Koasastadion St. Johann in Tirol, Thursday 25th July, 6pm (local time).
Cardiff City vs. Reading FC. Cardiff City Stadium, Wednesday 31st July, 7:30pm.
Bristol Rovers vs. Cardiff City. Memorial Stadium, Saturday 3rd August, 3pm.
Antwi leaves club
Cameron Antwi has left Cardiff and has joined Newport County on a permanent deal.
Antwi becomes the Exiles’ 10th signing of the summer, penning a two-year deal at Rodney Parade.
After finalising the deal, he said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be here. It’s been a long time coming as we’ve been in talks for a while, but I’m delighted to finally get everything over the line.
“When I spoke to everyone at Newport, I knew this was the right club for me.”
He made his first-team debut for the Bluebirds against Sheffield Wednesday in the Emirates FA Cup last season but now leaves the Welsh capital in search of game-time.
Cardiff said in a statement: “Midfielder Cameron Antwi has departed Cardiff City Football Club and joined Newport County on a permanent deal.
“The 22-year-old initially linked up with the Bluebirds in 2022. He made one appearance for City, in the Emirates FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday in January 2024. He leaves for an undisclosed compensation fee.
“We’d like to thank Cameron for his efforts and wish him all the best going forward.”
Mafico delighted with chance
Cardiff youngster Dakarai Mafico has spoken of his delight at stepping up to the first team for the first time.
The midfielder was involved in the Bluebirds' first game of pre-season on Wednesday, and got 45 minutes under his belt.
The 17-year-old said: “I really enjoyed it. All the boys helped me settle in really well and I think I showed what I can do on the pitch and the fans saw that. It’s a positive start and I hope that everyone is impressed with me.
“I was eager to impress straight away. Being a new name in the team, I wanted to show what I can do quickly. My aim was to show that I can fit in with the team and that I didn’t look out of place. I felt like I was part of the team and even though the result didn’t go out way, I feel like I had a positive performance.
“I felt good physically. It was my first 45 minutes of the season and it felt good. I hope that I can get more opportunities with the first team or in the academy now that I have got minutes in the tank.”
