"A great signing" - Cardiff City backed to sign ex-Leeds United player | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

According to Darren Witcoop, the Bluebirds have set their sights on the 24-year-old.

Poveda spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, where he played a role in helping the Owls remain in the Championship.

The forward’s contract with the Whites has expired this summer, meaning he is free to discuss terms with a new club for the upcoming campaign.

But Cardiff face competition from the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Luton Town in the race to the player’s signature.

Ian Poveda Cardiff transfer verdict

FLW’s Cardiff fan pundit Ben Johnsey believes that Poveda would be a smart signing for Erol Bulut’s side this summer.

He is not keen to see Josh Bowler come back to the club after his loan spell from Nottingham Forest, suggesting a move for the ex-Leeds player would be his preference instead.

“For me, I definitely think Ian Poveda would be an option for Cardiff City,” Johnsey told Football League World.

“I think we need a little bit more pace, and the ability to beat a man on the wings.

“I don’t think I’d be looking at bringing Josh Bowler back.

“While he was able to pop up at times in games and score goals, his consistency was a real issue, and often cost Cardiff at times.

“But Ian Poveda offers an option of someone who is still young, still unproven and has shown promise at Wednesday that he can really perform at a Championship level and potentially be a great signing on a free transfer.”

Ian Poveda’s impressive Sheffield Wednesday form

Poveda struggled for game time in Daniel Farke’s squad last season, leading to his move to Hillsborough in January.

The forward made 10 appearances for Wednesday following the switch, and played an important role in the team’s survival in the Championship.

Danny Rohl’s side required a 2-0 win on the final day to secure their place in the second division for another year, completing a great escape after relegation had looked certain earlier in the season.

Poveda’s stock has been enhanced following his stint with the Yorkshire outfit, and he is now free to discuss terms with a new club ahead of the summer market opening on 14 June.

Poveda is a man in demand

There are a number of clubs in the Championship looking to sign Poveda, so it would be a real coup if Cardiff captured his signature.

While things didn’t work out at Elland Road for the forward, he is still more than capable of competing at a Championship level.

He would be a solid signing for a side of Cardiff's ambitions, with the team hoping to fight for promotion next year, and Bowler's departure back to Forest should open up space in the squad for him to receive plenty of regular game time if he signs.

Bowler made 38 appearances in the Championship last season, including 30 starts, so taking his place in the squad could be quite an appealing opportunity for Poveda.

Given he is available as a free agent, it also means the cost of the deal should be relatively low, which is quite appealing as well.