Will Malky Mackay be shopping in the January sales?

By Scott Johnson on Dec 28, 11 02:22 PM in Cardiff City

Malky Mackay has already proven his credentials with regards to making a little go a long way.

A large number of players see their contracts expire every season, due to finding themselves surplus to requirements or by refusing to agree a new deal. Last summer, Mackay navigated these choppy waters and secured the services of Andrew Taylor, Don Cowie, Robert Earnshaw, Aron Gunnarsson, Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway.

Mackay is in the market for two or three new names next month and although funds are available, it is unlikely that he will be splashing the cash. Fortunately, clubs that face the prospect of losing players for nothing in the summer are often willing or forced to sell in January at a reduced rate.

Therefore, it is safe to assume that Mackay will at the very least be surveying these options and there are certainly some interesting players up for grabs.

Despite plying their trade at our level, it's probably safe to say that Bristol City's Nicky Maynard, Leeds United's Jonny Howson and Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne are all out of our league. If they fail to agree new terms, they will be seeking Premier League football and it is unlikely that there will be a shortage of takers.

Reading winger Jimmy Kebe, Middlesbrough centre back Matthew Bates, Barnsley's midfield schemer Jacob Butterfield and Ipswich dynamo Grant Leadbitter are also up for grabs and more realistic targets, although they may also have designs on the top flight.

Bristol City's box to box destroyer Marvin Elliott will soon become available, as will his central defensive team mate Liam Fontaine. Coventry City's creative central midfielder Sammy Clingan is a former Cardiff target from his Norwich City days and may be keen to leave his relegation troubles behind.

Leeds United winger Lloyd Sam would also represent an interesting option, with a lack of wide options at the club. There are no real goalkeeping concerns at the club, but Peterborough's Joe Lewis could soon be up for grabs and has previously piqued the interest of Fabio Capello.

Nottingham Forest look set to lose some of their best players in the summer, with centre backs Wes Morgan and Luke Chambers, a target for Mackay before the arrival of Ben Turner, running down their current deals. Paul Anderson presents another option for the wing and Lewis McGugan has bags of ability but limited application. He is right up there with Peter Whittingham in terms of talent and if he can find a manager that can motivate him and address his fitness issues, he could be an outstanding player.

In the Premier League, Manchester United's Darron Gibson and Newcastle United's Danny Guthrie have yet to fulfil their potential and are unlikely to be offered new deals. They may be reluctant to drop down a level, but could be potential loan targets, which would put the club in a strong position when their existing contracts expire. Fulham full back Stephen Kelly and Norwich City striker Simeon Jackson may be attainable and most of Bolton Wanderers veterans will soon be up for grabs.

Up north, former Bluebird favourite Glenn Loovens is approaching the end of his current spell at Celtic and former Rangers favourite Kris Boyd is a free agent after an ill advised six month spell in Turkey. He may have previously left us standing at the alter, when a deal was agreed with Kilmarnock, but he would represent a significant upgrade on Jon Parkin and has experience of playing alongside Kenny Miller.

Cardiff have their own contract issues that require addressing, with both Mark Hudson and Anthony Gerrard seemingly out of contract in the next few months, amongst a few fringe players. There are certainly plenty of available options and it will be fascinating to see who Malky moves for when the January sales open for business.