Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Wednesday, July 6.
New-boy on Jason Koumas' influence
Romaine Sawyers' decision to choose the No. 19 shirt at West Brom was to pay homage to former Cardiff City and Baggies fans' favourite Jason Koumas.
The former Wales international is thought of in incredibly high esteem in the Welsh capital, as well as at The Hawthorns, and is one of the most talented players to operate in the Championship since its advent. Sawyers, who grew up watching Koumas during his apprenticeship at West Brom, revealed that he chose No. 19 in the hope of following in his idol's footsteps.
Read more: Romaine Sawyers reveals ex-Bluebird who 'didn't stop talking' about Cardiff City
“I’ve never put this out there, but it’s homage to Jason Koumas,” Sawyers said about his squad number in an interview with The Sun in 2020. “Anyone who has watched West Brom will know there are certain players we loved: James Morrison, Robert Koren, Jonathan Greening, and Koumas.
“I loved being up close to those guys as a ball boy and was lucky because we were in the Premier League so I’d also be around people like Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and the big Manchester United when they were dominating.”
Koumas wore the No. 19 shirt in his second spell at West Brom in 2006/07 and also in his second spell with the Bluebirds in the 2010/11 campaign. Sawyers wore that number while at Brentford and West Brom, however James Collins currently has the shirt at Cardiff City. Which brings us on nicely to the next section...
Portsmouth join Collins race
Portsmouth have joined the race to sign Bluebirds striker James Collins.
The Republic of Ireland international is struggling to force his way into Steve Morison's plans after being deemed surplus to requirements at the back end of last season.
The Bluebirds are going to bolster their forward options this summer, with the club having made 10 signings without adding a single striker to their ranks as things stand. But WalesOnline understands that will change before the window closes and Collins, who is desperate for minutes, could well see himself down the pecking order again.
Portsmouth are thought to have joined Derby County in the race for the 31-year-old's signature. We understand the Rams are keen to add Collins to their ranks and are hopeful of nabbing him as a free agent, despite him having another 12 months left on his Cardiff contract.
Other League One clubs are also thought to be monitoring the situation, but, as things stand, there are no concrete offers on the table to take Collins away from Cardiff just yet.
Leeds United's Roberts undergoes QPR medical
Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts is having a medical at QPR ahead of completing his move, WalesOnline understands.
Michael Beale's side have agreed a loan deal for the season for the Wales international, which includes an option to purchase the player next summer. The forward was linked with Cardiff in recent days, however while the Bluebirds had checked out the possibility, the player's wages were thought to be prohibitive when it came to sealing a move.
Roberts could be snapped up by QPR permanently for less than £5m this time next year.
Morison: New subs rule makes a difference in transfer market
Bluebirds boss Steve Morison has cited the new rule to allow five substitutions as a reason behind stocking his midfield so heavily this summer.
Sawyers became the Bluebirds' 10th addition, adding to midfield recruits Andy Rinomhota and Ebou Adams, while Joe Ralls, Ryan Wintle, Rubin Colwill and Eli King remain from last season. However, Morison believes competition for places and strength in depth will be a big advantage next season because of the new five subs rule coming into force.
Speaking of Sawyers' signing, he said: "I’m sure everyone knows about Romaine and his qualities; he can be the difference in a game. He’s a top quality Championship midfielder, which adds to the top quality players we already have. He’s got undoubted quality to see a pass and make things happen. I’m very excited to have him on board, and I think the supporters should be as well.
“Obviously we can make five substitutions this season, and that will come into our thinking, so it’s worth having those extra bodies in every position we can. It creates great competition, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them all together.”
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