Vaughan not a done deal??

The Liverpool Echo via Everton is denying reports that James Vaughan is on the verge of joining Cardiff City.

Everton are claiming there as be no contract between the two clubs with regards Vaughan although the BBC Wales have them in talks. Everton boss David Moyes wants a new striker and Vaughan is surplus to requirements and with six months left on is contract. On word from the player about his future and the two managers are staying silent. January could be the only chance for Everton to cash in on the 22-year-old. Cardiff would have to pay some compensation to Everton but nowhere near a million.

It is being reported the Premier League club now are looking for a two million paid day for Vaughan. With a number of clubs interested Everton could be clearing the way for an auction.

Jones steals a march or is it just rumours

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has been quick off the starting line when it comes to the January transfer window according to the latest rumour sweeping the internet. It looks more than likely he got the march on other managers by snapping James Vaughan from Everton. The two clubs have agreed the player is happy to sign a two and a half year contract. So everyone will have to wait until Saturday to see if a done is deal.

Vaughan has been on loan at Crystal Palace and they would have liked to have made his loan deal a permanent deal, but the asking price was too much.

Hull City were thought to be in front runners in Vaughan signature with a rumour they would pay the one million asking price and offer the player £16,000 a week to keep him out of Cardiff hands. In today’s Daily Mirror there had Hull pulling out after it was suggested Everton had put a £2m price-tag on the striker.

Tonight there is nothing official and I don’t expect any until he has signed. City manager Dave Jones will not be happy if the rumour is true they would still be a chance that the whole deal could be gazumped. He will not be a Cardiff player until he signs a contract.

Vaughan the first January signing?

All eyes are now focused on Saturday and the 'Sevenside Derby' with Bristol City with both teams in need of a win. Cardiff City are in the need of a win to keep them at the top end of the table while Bristol are in need of the points to help pull away from the relegated zone.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is expecting Jay Bothroyd, Craig Bellamy and Chris Riggott to be available for the clash with Bristol City on New Years Day with the game more than likely a sell-out.

Its only a few days before Dave Jones before he will be getting the clubs cheque out with the transfer window opening and from reports in the market for four or five players, some on free transfer and some could warrant a fee being paid. He was questioned about the rumour surrounding Jonathan Woodgate, only saying,

“I’d like a lot of players and I am sure there will be plenty of clubs wanting Jonathan Woodgate.”

Jones will then start a recruitment drive to strengthen his squad with a centre-back one of his top prioritise. However reports have hit the press that the City boss has started shopping with James Vaughan signing for a million plus. Jay Bothroyd twitted 'Not sure if we have signed James Vaughan hope we have improving the squad is key'. The Everton striker Vaughan spent the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace – scoring five goals in 14 appearances. Is name has been link with other clubs and

The rumour-mill has thrown out a few names Glenn Loovens (Celtic) and Danny Shittu (Millwall, Jones would like Loovens on loan for the rest of the season but the Dutchman is reluctant to leave Celtic and has stated his willingness to fight for is place with the SPL club. The defender is sidelined with an injury.

The situation with Danny Shittu different, he is on a short term contract which ends in January and is available to the Cardiff boss if he is a target. Jones told the press,

“I am hoping to take four or five players. If we bring anyone in we are looking at buying one or two to give us an edge and a stronger bench.”

But Shittu will not be an easy deal, Millwall want to sign him to a long deal, and others are queuing up to talk to him. With the rumours about Cardiff reports suggest at Premiership duo Blackpool and Wolves and from the Championship Burnley and Middlesbrough.

Other players in the rumour mix have been winger Wayne Routledge who has had a loan spell at Cardiff a few seasons back. According to reports he turned down a contract offer to sign with the Bluebirds and the same day joined QPR. He is now at Premiership club Newcastle but he sees his opportunities limited this season, but new boss Alan Pardew is confident the winger can have a new lease of life with Newcastle.

Another winger Barnsley Adam Hammill is a player and forward Steven Howard who is becoming a bit of a regular when it comes to Cardiff and transfer rumours.

Dave Jones is the kind of manager who will play his transfer dealings close to his chest which is going to lead to rumour and counter-rumour. There is are only 31 shopping days for a manager in January and the competition will be out there looking in the same shop window.