Cardiff City: Russell Slade targets three January signings

Russell Slade took over as Cardiff City manager from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade hopes to make at least three signings in January to revive his side's ailing Championship play-off hopes.

The Bluebirds are six points adrift of the play-off places following Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Slade says funds will be available to strengthen his squad when the transfer window reopens in January.

"There are certainly three we've earmarked. It might well mean there are others as well," he said.

"It's an open market, wheeling and dealing, and everybody will be wanting to do that.

"We'll have to wait and see what happens but I've earmarked three where we'd like to do a bit of business."

Cardiff have been linked with a move for Bolton midfielder Josh Vela, with Trotters manager Neil Lennon saying the Bluebirds have made an enquiry for the 22-year-old.

Asked if he could elaborate on Cardiff's apparent approach, Slade said: "Not particularly, not at this stage.

"We've made an enquiry for a few players. There are one or two loan situations, interesting European ones."

Cardiff are also expected to make striker Tony Watt's loan deal permanent.

The draw with Nottingham Forest means Cardiff have secured only one point from their last three matches

'Forest would have needed snorkels!'

Slade was "disappointed" with the home draw against Forest, which left Cardiff with only three wins from their last 12 matches.

The Bluebirds dominated possession and territory but were undermined by their own wasteful finishing and Forest's dogged resistance.

"They came and parked the bus, particularly in the second period," said Slade.

"It was a difficult night against a Forest side that really did sit back and make life difficult.

"If they had been any deeper they would have needed snorkels."

Slade and his players have reiterated throughout the season that their aim is to finish in the top six of the Championship, but their recent form has seen their promotion hopes suffer.

The draw with Forest followed successive defeats against Birmingham and lowly MK Dons, but Slade has been encouraged by his side's displays.

"But the return from those games has been poor for us. Performance decent but results not as good as we want," he added.

"But I don't think we're a million miles away - I think we're more inches than miles away."