The Bluebirds are keen to add a left-back before Monday's deadline
Calum Scanlon of Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Cardiff City are targeting Liverpool left-back Calum Scanlon as they step up their search for defensive reinforcements ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, but face stiff competition for his signature.
The Bluebirds have made no secret of their desire to bring in a left-sided defender before the window closes, with Joel Bagan currently the only senior option available in that position.
While Bagan has been a consistently impressive performer, City are keen to add competition and allow for rotation as the season enters its demanding conclusion. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Scanlon has emerged as a leading candidate, with Liverpool understood to be open to a loan move that would give the 20-year-old regular first-team football for the remainder of the campaign.
The England youth international is returning from a hamstring injury, having played for Liverpool's U21s to build some base fitness this season, and the Premier League club are keen for him to build momentum with a sustained run of games.
A number of clubs in League One, and even some in the Championship, are believed to be monitoring Scanlon’s situation closely, creating competition for his signature. The Bluebirds, however, are understood to be in a strong position to strike a deal.
One of the key factors working in Cardiff’s favour is Brian Barry-Murphy’s growing reputation as a coach capable of developing and improving young players.
The City boss has quickly earned praise within the game for his work with emerging talent, blending a positive playing style with a strong developmental focus.
That reputation is said to have resonated with both Liverpool and Scanlon’s representatives, with Cardiff viewed as an environment where the defender could play regularly while continuing his progression at a crucial stage of his career.
City’s successful handling of Omari Kellyman this season is also believed to have strengthened their case. The 20-year-old Chelsea loanee arrived in south Wales having endured hamstring problems last term, but has gone from strength to strength under Barry-Murphy’s guidance.
Kellyman’s physical conditioning, confidence and performances have all improved markedly, offering a clear example of Cardiff’s ability to manage and nurture young loanees.
As Sean Morrison highlighted in his WalesOnline column last week, the combination of Barry-Murphy’s coaching credentials, a positive atmosphere around the club and an increasingly defined style of play has made Cardiff an attractive destination.
Those elements are expected to place the Bluebirds firmly at the front of the queue as clubs jostle for some of the most promising young players available on loan. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Scanlon fits that profile perfectly. The left-back spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Millwall, where he gained valuable Championship experience and showed his ability to cope with the physical demands of senior football.
Although he is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for Liverpool, he remains highly rated at Anfield and is viewed as a long-term prospect.
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