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Tom Coleman

Cardiff City transfer news as Tottenham and Nottingham Forest 'monitoring' Gareth Bale and Dillon Phillips doubts emerge

Here's your round-up of all the latest Cardiff City headlines for Thursday, June 16.

Spurs and Forest 'monitoring' Bale

Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are both reportedly monitoring Gareth Bale's situation this summer.

Bale is a free agent after his Real Madrid contract expired at the end of last season, and speculation over his next move is already rife.

The 32-year-old has been strongly tipped for a move to hometown club Cardiff City this summer, but it seems there are also options from the Premier League on the table.

Despite reports in the English capital recently claiming that the club had cooled their interest in the winger, the BBC has claimed that Fabio Paratici, director at Bale's former club Spurs, is still monitoring his situation.

The same report also claims that newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, headed up by ex-Swansea City boss Steve Cooper, are also keeping a close eye on developments. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among the other clubs to be mooted as potential destinations.

Allsop signing prompts Phillips questions

Cardiff City have signed goalkeeper Ryan Allsop on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal in the capital after leaving previous club Derby County as a free agent earlier in the summer.

He follows on from the arrivals of Ebou Adams, Jak Alnwick, Ollie Tanner, Jamilu Collins, Callum O’Dowda, Vontae Daley-Campbell and Mahlon Romeo.

Speaking after his unveiling, the West Bromwich Albion academy product said: “I was told there was interest from Cardiff City. I wanted to explore and see the ground and facilities, and I was blown away by it all. I’m delighted to get it over the line.

“It’s a massive club, and I’m honoured to be able to call myself a Cardiff City player and represent the club in the best way that I can. I can’t wait to get started."

Allsop is the second goalkeeper to arrive at the Bluebirds this summer, following on from former Newcastle United stopper Alnwick, and his arrival is likely to spark questions over the future of Dillon Phillips, who now faces an intense battle to retain his place between the sticks, having stepped up to replace the outgoing Alex Smithies towards the end of last season.

Stoke set to sign Laurent

Stoke City are set to beat Cardiff to the signing of Josh Laurent.

The Telegraph report the Potters are close to tying up the loose ends of the deal, which could be completed next week.

Our colleagues at Berkshire Live claimed the Royals were still in negotiations with the 27-year-old over a potential new deal.

As first revealed by WalesOnline back in April, he has been on the radar of Cardiff too., but it appears the bet365 Stadium side have won the race for the midfielder.

Leeds in for Matondo

Leeds United have entered the race for Cardiff City star Rabbi Matondo.

WalesOnline understands the Premier League side have made an approach to Schalke for the winger, and have already held initial discussions with his representatives.

Matondo has come onto the radar due to Leeds seemingly admitting defeat in their chase for Club Brugge star Noa Lang, who now seems likely to join AC Milan this summer.

However, Leeds could well face competition from Rangers and Celtic, who have already held talks with the winger.

Coincidentally the same trio has also shown an interest in Rabbi's younger brother, Japhet, who is still on the books at Cardiff. The Bluebirds are seemingly keen on keeping the 16-year-old in the capital, but it remains to be seen if he'll stay beyond the summer.

Rabbi left Cardiff as a teenager himself, joining the academy at Manchester City back in 2016, before signing on for Schalke for £11m three years later.

The 21-year-old has attracted plenty of interest this summer following a stunning season out in Belgium with Cercle Brugge, netting 10 goals in 27 appearances during a scintillating loan spell.

Cercle were keen to keep the Wales international, but the finances are understood to have proved too much of a barrier for the Belgian side.

Fulham and Bournemouth have previously shown an interest in this window, while reports in Germany have also suggested that Brentford, Nottingham Forest, and several clubs in France could well be among the other potential destinations.

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