Cardiff City target Emiliano Sala has flown back to France following talks with the club, as his proposed £18m club-record move hangs in the balance.
The Nantes striker has returned home to consider whether or not to join the Bluebirds on the back of a warning from Sean Morrison that any newcomers have to have more than pound signs fuelling their motivation.
Cardiff have been pursuing Sala for weeks and their original interest in the Argentinian is thought to date back to last summer.
The 28-year-old has scored 13 goals in 20 matches for his club this season – the sort of firepower that Cardiff manager Neil Warnock is desperate to have in his armoury as the club try to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Talks are continuing following Sala’s meeting with Warnock and chief executive Ken Choo, and Sala’s agent Mark McKay told Sky Sports News, “Emiliano was very impressed with what Neil and Mr. Choo had to say and with the club itself.”
The deal appeared, by Warnock’s own version, to have died a death before Christmas but Sala’s initial reluctance seems to have been overcome.
But Bluebirds skipper Morrison has insisted that while he wants to see new recruits arrive during this transfer window, they have to step in with a readiness for the battle ahead.
“The people upstairs can’t just throw money at players because sometimes you don’t get the right reaction from the players you bring in,” said Morrison.
“You want players who want to play for the badge and play for the shirt and the fans out there, simple as that.
“If they don’t want to come in and be in a dog fight for every point then it won’t work.
“New additions are always welcome, especially at this club. It’s the best club I’ve been at for welcoming new players. If they add to the squad in a positive way, on and off the field, then they’re more than welcome.
“That’s the hard job the gaffer and chairman have got. They need to bring players in who not only fit the way we play, but fit into the dressing room in a positive manner as well.
“If you ask any of the summer signings, it’s a nice place to come. The boys are really welcoming and positive.
“There are a lot of close friends in the dressing room so if they jump on board with what we do and get involved with Cardiff City football club then they’re more than welcome.”
Sala has scored 42 goals in 101 appearances for Nantes since he left Bordeaux, but rumoured moves to Premier League clubs in the past, such as Newcastle United and Wolves, have so far come to nothing.
If the South American does agree to the deal, then he will become Cardiff’s most expensive signing – eclipsing the £11m fee the club paid for Chilean midfielder Gary Medel in 2013.
Callum Paterson is the Bluebirds’ top scorer in the league so far this season with four goals, with Cardiff having scored just 19 in total in the Premier League.