The answer to Neil Warnock’s search for a new striker must end in Leicester after Shinji Okazaki accepted his future lies outside the Foxes.
What’s the word?
Warnock joined Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday panel on December 16 and discussed Cardiff’s plans for the January transfer market.
In particular, the 70-year-old was asked if the Bluebirds will be in the market for a new striker and Warnock unequivocally revealed, via reporting by Wales Online, that they would be, stating: “Yeah, we are looking at two or three positions and we’ve made offers for strikers.”
Around the same time, Leicester City striker Okazaki revealed that he is seeking a new challenge elsewhere as he has accepted his future may not be with Leicester.
The 32-year-old’s contract at the King Power Stadium is due to expire in the summer, meaning he will be able to negotiate a pre-contract with European clubs from January, but may also be available for a nominal fee in the mid-season window if the Foxes are open to cashing in.
The Playmaker FC squad decided to wind-up some unsuspecting Brazil fans at the Emirates on Saturday night. Watch the hilarious results in the video below…
Neil Warnock’s Plan B
Okazaki revealed in his interview with the Leicester Mercury that the club are going in a different direction under Claude Puel, which has seen minutes harder to come by and he has become more of an impact substitute.
The 5 foot 9 forward was able to help the Foxes to the Premier League trophy in his debut season at the King Power, but has recorded just the one start in the league so far this season – making the remainder of his 170 minutes on the pitch from the bench over 12 further outings.
If Cardiff were to chase the 116-cap Japanese international, who has eyes on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Warnock would have the services of a striker who can play in behind the leading man and link the midfield to the attack.
His presence in the side would give the 70-year-old head coach an alternative solution to his heavily favoured 4-1-4-1 that sees Victor Camarasa and Harry Arter work as box-to-box midfielders.