“Would be a smart addition” – Cardiff set to rival West Ham for EFL ace: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Cardiff City are considering a summer move for Fleetwood Town midfielder Paddy Lane, as per a report from The Mirror in their print edition [June 27, pg. 51].

The report states that the Bluebirds will face competition from Hearts, with the Scottish outfit looking bridge the gap to where Rangers and Celtic are currently at.

West Ham United have also been previously credited with an interest in the exciting midfield operator, according to a previous report The Mirror (17 April, page 74).

Proving to be an extremely versatile option for the League One outfit last season, Lane appeared 37 times in the league, scoring five goals and providing a further eight assists.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Cardiff’s interest in the young midfielder…

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Declan Harte

Cardiff enjoyed moderate success by going all-in on younger players in the second half of last season, so doubling down on that this summer is a good approach.

Lane has emerged as a talented young forward from Northern Ireland.

He performed well in his breakout campaign for Fleetwood Town, but still probably hasn’t shown he is quite ready for Championship level football.

Lane could be a good squad player for the Bluebirds, but it would come as no surprise to see him go out on loan if he does sign for Cardiff.

However, he would be a good long-term addition to the club, and certainly possesses plenty of potential which would make him a worthwhile signing if the figures are kept reasonably low.

Toby Wilding

You get the feeling this could be a rather useful signing for Cardiff City.

Given he has only spent one season playing League One level, and with a club that found themselves battling against relegation, this would feel like a big step up for Lane.

However, when you consider the players they have already added to their squad, it could be argued that he would not have to be a regular starter immediately, while his record for Fleetwood suggests he could still make an impact when called upon, and at his age, Lane does have the time on his side to take that sort of route.

Indeed, with the level of interest there is from elsewhere, this could also the best opportunity Cardiff have to get a deal done, meaning it is one that could be worth pursuing, before another club that will be harder to buy from in the future, beats them to it.

Marcus Ally

Paddy Lane’s versatility and exceptional crossing ability will have put him on the radars of many Championship clubs this summer.

The 21-year-old played in almost every midfield position last season as the Cod Army stayed up by the skin of their teeth in League One, and an exit may be preferred with Fleetwood set for a difficult season under Scott Brown.

With one year left on his contract at Highbury Stadium, from a financial standpoint this is probably the right time to cash in on Lane, particularly if they can let him go to a club outside of League One.

Cardiff need to bulk out their squad this summer and adding a creative player like Lane would be a smart addition.