Cardiff City are interested in signing former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe in their efforts to bolster their defence in the January transfer window, according to reports.
Tuanzebe, who joined the Man United academy at the age of eight and made 19 appearances for the Red Devils, is a potential option for the Bluebirds, with him currently out of favour at high-flying Ipswich Town. The 26-year-old spent the majority of his time at Old Trafford on loan, with spells at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City.
The Congolese defender left United after 17 years at the club, joining Championship newcomers Ipswich in September 2023. During his time at Portman Road, he has only registered eight appearances in all competitions and has failed to find a regular place in the side
His last outing for the Tractor Boys saw him enter the field for a brief one-minute cameo in their 2-1 win away to Sunderland on Saturday night.
According to Sky Sports, the former England Youth international is looking at a potential move to gain regular game time to kickstart his career and is being touted with a possible switch to South Wales as Erol Bulut looks to strengthen his defence.
The club have recently found themselves even lighter at the back, with loan signing Jonathan Panzo returning to parent club Nottingham Forest after failing to make an impression at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bluebirds are also struggling at left back, with Jamilu Collins the only current fit first-team player in that position at the club as understudy Callum O’Dowda is sidelined with an injury that has caused him issues throughout the season while youngster Joel Bagan is still out on loan in Belgium with Zulte Waregem.
Cardiff find themselves in a patch of tough form, dropping to 13th in the Championship table following a 3-0 defeat at home to Leeds United.
Bulut will be looking to use the transfer window to help his side get back on track with a playoff push, as they visit Plymouth Argyle in the league for the first time since 2009 when Michael Chopra netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.
Writer’s View
Cardiff City must get extra bodies in during this transfer window to help them for the remainder of the season and have better squad depth. After losing Panzo, they are looking particularly light in defence now, and it’s an issue they will want to solve soon.
Tuanzebe is an experienced defender who has played in the Champions League and with the Bluebirds light in this position, it could be a smart pick-up if they can get him for a good fee or loan deal.
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