Cardiff City make decision on midfielder as transfer 'imminent'
Cardiff City have reportedly made the decision to recall Joel Colwill from his loan at Cheltenham Town.
The Bluebirds midfielder has enjoyed a stellar loan spell in League Two with the Robins, having scored nine goals and provided three assists in 28 appearances for the club following his temporary move in the summer.
Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn had been hopeful that he would be able to keep hold of Colwill until the end of the campaign, however Cardiff manager Omer Riza had expressed his desire to see the 20-year-old tested at a higher level.
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“Currently there’s been a few whispers with regards to players going out on loan," the Bluebirds manager said this. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
“Joel, we’ve got interest from League One for him, which I think would be really good for him and would be good for his education.
“There are other players we’ve got interest in… but we have to be patient because we have to make sure we have players in before we let players go out."
And now it is reported by Robins correspondent Jon Palmer that Colwill will not be in the Cheltenham squad which faces Wimbledon on Saturday, with a recall 'imminent'. If so, he will return to Cardiff before going out on loan again this month.
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When asked this week about reports that Bristol Rovers, Exeter and Bolton Wanderers were all keen on Colwill, Riza replied: "Definitely Bristol Rovers and Exeter. Bolton have other players they’re looking at. There are other clubs as well. So there are lots of potential clubs interested.
"When I was at Arsenal I went out to League Two, then League One, it's very good for the experience and very good for the learning of the player. When he comes back in he will be ready to go, hopefully."
However Bristol Rovers' interest is believed to have waned since new manager Inigo Calderon took the reins last month. The Spaniard has said he is looking for ready-made League One players, with Rovers scrapping near the bottom. This week they announced the signing of experienced former Cardiff midfielder Romaine Sawyers.
Exeter City now appears to be the most likely destination for the Wales youth international.
