Omari Kellyman during his loan at Cardiff City(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
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Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Tuesday, June 9.
Chelsea want Kellyman move 'as soon as possible'
Chelsea are hoping to secure a loan move for Omari Kellyman as quickly as possible this summer after deciding the former Cardiff City starlet will spend another season away from Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Bluebirds during their promotion-winning campaign, scoring 11 goals and becoming one of Brian Barry-Murphy's most important attacking players as Cardiff secured an immediate return to the Championship.
Chelsea have already informed Kellyman that he will head out on loan again next season as they continue to carefully manage his development.
And according to The Athletic, the Premier League club are keen to reach a resolution "as soon as possible", having already ruled him out of travelling on their pre-season tour.
The report states Chelsea were pleased with Kellyman's contribution at Cardiff, where he played a significant role in the club's promotion from League One, and believe another season of regular first-team football represents the best next step in his progression.
By excluding him from their summer tour plans, Chelsea are effectively clearing the path for a loan deal to be completed early in the window, which officially opens on June 15.
Cardiff will hope they have several factors working in their favour. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.****
Kellyman is understood to have enjoyed his time in Wales, while Barry-Murphy and assistant Lee Riley have strong connections with Chelsea recruitment chief Joe Shields dating back to their time together in Manchester City's academy setup.
The Bluebirds can also offer continuity and a manager who has already shown complete faith in the youngster.
Cardiff announce summer fixture
Cardiff City have confirmed a pre-season friendly against Cork City which will see head coach Brian Barry-Murphy return to his hometown for the first time since leading the Bluebirds to promotion.
The Championship side will travel to Turner's Cross on Tuesday, July 14, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm.
The fixture will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and represents another step in Cardiff's preparations for life back in the second tier following their promotion-winning campaign under Barry-Murphy.
The match also carries extra significance for the Cardiff boss, who began his playing career with Cork City before going on to enjoy a lengthy career in England. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Barry-Murphy, son of Cork sporting legend Jimmy Barry-Murphy, came through the ranks at Cork City and played for the club between 1995 and 1999 before moving across the Irish Sea.
Announcing the fixture, Cork City chief operating officer Éanna Buckley said: "We are delighted to welcome Cardiff City FC to Cork, and in particular Brian, back to where it all began for him here at Turner's Cross.
"We would also like to congratulate Cardiff City on their recent promotion to the Championship.
"The match is sure to be a competitive fixture and a great test for both sides."
Pre-season fixtures:
Saturday, July 11 - FC Midtjylland. Cardiff City Stadium, 12:30pm KO.
Tuesday, July 14 - Cork City. Turner’s Cross Stadium, 7:45pm KO.
Saturday, July 25 - Forest Green Rovers. The Bolt New Lawn, 3pm KO.
Cardiff trio start for Wales U19s
Three Cardiff City youngsters were handed starting roles for Wales Under-19s in their friendly defeat to Sweden on Monday.
Defenders Jac Thomas and Noah Williams both featured from the outset, while highly-rated midfielder Robert Tankiewicz was also named in Chris Gunter's starting XI.
Wales made the perfect start to the contest, being held at the Oliva Nova Golf resort in Valencia, Spain, taking the lead after just 13 minutes through Manchester United youngster Louie Bradbury.
However, Sweden hit back to claim a 3-1 victory and inflict defeat on Gunter's side in one of their final preparations before this month's European Under-19 Championship.
The match provided another valuable opportunity for Tankiewicz, who continues to impress despite still being only 16 years old.
The midfielder is playing several age groups above his natural level and is regarded as one of Cardiff City's brightest academy prospects, with high hopes held for his future at the club.
Thomas, Williams and Tankiewicz will now hope to play key roles when Wales head into the Under-19 European Championship later this month, with all three aiming to make their mark on the international stage.
Wales open their tournament on June 28 with a tough fixture against Spain.
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