There's an air of optimism surrounding Cardiff City right now.
New manager Erol Bulut is settling into the job, players are returning from injury and the club's young prospects are set to be given an opportunity to shine in the first pre-season test against Penybont this weekend.
There's just one thing missing - new signings.
Of course, the Bluebirds are limited in what they can do this summer. While their three-window transfer embargo has been reduced to two by the EFL, they can still only sign free transfers or bring players in on loan.
READ MORE: The next batch of Cardiff City stars hoping to barge their way into Erol Bulut's first-team plans
While that limits their options, Bulut is still planning a revamp of his squad and is hoping to bring in anywhere from eight to 10 players this summer as Cardiff look to start plotting their way up the table.
Meanwhile, chairman Mehmet Dalman has also promised supporters an "exciting" signing in the coming weeks.
A handful of names have been strongly linked with a move to the Welsh capital already, with targets ranging from ex-Bluebirds and young prospects to players Bulut knows well from his time in Turkey.
Here's everything we know about the names in the max and how likely these rumoured moves are to happen.
Aaron Ramsey
The player every Cardiff fan wants to see in a Bluebirds shirt come the start of the season - and the man himself has certainly not ruled out a spectacular homecoming, dropping a number of hints that he could be coming back to the capital.
Wales captain Ramsey has been unable to resist adding further fuel to the fire in recent weeks, telling reporters how he would "love to go back" to his boyhood club in a move that would "mean a lot to him".
And what initially seemed like a pie in the sky rumour now looks like it really could happen, with chairman Dalman claiming that the ball is now firmly in the former Arsenal and Juventus star's court.
Of course, a player of Ramsey's talent and experience is bound to have other potential suitors in higher leagues, but the romance of a Cardiff return could be enough to swing it in the Bluebirds' favour.
Most excitingly of all, the midfielder's Nice contract officially expires on June 30, at which point he will become a free agent. So whatever he decides, it may not be too much longer until Cardiff fans discover if they've got their man.
Anastasios Bakasetas
One of the first names linked with Cardiff after Bulut's appointment, the Trabzonspor man boasts an impressive goalscoring record from midfield, netting 28 times in 103 games, while also providing 21 assists.
Bulut has spoken about the strength of his contacts in Turkey and indeed across Europe, and Turkish sports newspaper Fotosport were quick to report that the new Bluebirds boss was keen to bring Bakasetas - who he signed from AEK Athens while managing Alanyaspor in 2019 - to the Welsh capital.
But while the 30-year-old would certainly help boost Cardiff's attacking output, having also scored 11 goals in 55 caps for Greece, a move is nigh-on impossible, with Trabzonspor reportedly not willing to part with him for any less than £6.5 million nor let him leave on a loan deal in the final year of his contract.
Yakou Meite
Another possible solution to Cardiff's goal-scoring woes is Ivory Coast striker Yakou Meite, who is available for free after leaving relegated Reading earlier this summer.
The 27-year-old scored 42 goals in 156 appearances for the Royals amid injury problems but after turning down a new contract, has been linked with the Bluebirds by Sunday Mirror Sports Editor Darren Witcoop.
Offering versatility and a keen eye for goal, a fully fit Meite would be a good acquisition for Bulut if he can keep fit.
But the Paris Saint-Germain youth product is a wanted man and may not be wanting to stay in the Championship with offers reportedly on the table from a number of European clubs.
One possible destination is Belgian side Standard Liege, where Ivorian legend Yaya Toure is currently the assistant manager.
Terry Taylor
The 22-year-old Welsh midfielder is set to leave Burton Albion this summer following the expiration of his contract at the end of June, despite the club offering him fresh terms to extend his stay.
Cardiff are said to be one of several teams interested in Taylor, with Hibernian also in the running while Championship new boys Plymouth reportedly had a deal rejected earlier this week.
A former Wales under-21s captain, he played 26 times in League One last season and registered four assists, despite being ruled out from February onwards as he was forced to undergo ankle surgery.
While it appears Plymouth are closer to making a breakthrough in acquiring Taylor, this deal remains one to watch for Bluebirds fans.
Sory Kaba
Cardiff would love to bring the attacker back after he scored eight goals in 17 games to help the Bluebirds beat the drop having joined on loan from FC Midtjylland in January.
Kaba issued an emotional message to fans when his spell in south Wales concluded at the end of last season, telling them "I will always be a Bluebird in my heart", while he also set tongues wagging when he tweeted a Cardiff highlights reel earlier this month.
But again, Cardiff's partial transfer embargo could prove a stumbling block, especially now Midtjylland manager Thomas Thomasberg has hinted the 6ft 3in frontman could fit into his system next season.
To make matters worse, newly relegated and well-monied Leeds United have been keeping their eye on Kaba and are reportedly keen to bring him to Elland Road as a replacement for the misfiring Patrick Bamford.
Cedric Kipre
Another familiar face for Bluebirds fans, Kipre was also a big hit at Cardiff City Stadium last turn having signed from fellow Championship side West Brom on loan.
His departure has left a big, big hole for Bulut to fill in defence and if there was any opportunity to bring the 26-year-old back to the capital, the new boss would be encouraged to take it.
However, another loan deal looks unlikely with the defender out of contract at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, while he could now be set to remain at the Baggies following the departure of centre-back Dara O'Shea.
