CONFIRMED: Cardiff sign Everton’s Oumar Niasse on loan

Cardiff City haveconfirmed the signing of Everton striker Oumar Niasse on loan until the end of the season.

Niasse heads to south Wales and head long into a relegation fight, with the Bluebirds one point above the relegation zone in 17th.

The Senegalese striker barely featured under Marco Silva this season so it is no surprise that he has been moved on. He has seen just 175 minutes of competitive action across seven matches and has made just one start, against Rotherham in the Carabao Cup in August.

Silva is keen to reshuffle his forward line and Niasse, as well as Cenk Tosun, were made available for transfer this month.

Everton were believed to have preferred a loan but the terms of the deal include the option to make a move permanent in the summer, which is likely to rest on whether Cardiff stay in the Premier League.

Niasse enjoyed a similar loan spell at Hull two years ago (under Marco Silva of course) but the Tigers’ failure to avoid relegation ended any chance of a permanent move.

Few tears will be shed by Evertonians over his exit. Niasse’s limitations as a player are well known and he was never good enough for the club. However, his attitude and commitment - particularly in the face of some harsh treatment by Ronald Koeman - endeared him to the fans and they will wish him well in his future career.

Niasse’s departure has freed up space in the squad for a new striker but it remains to be seen whether Silva and Marcel Brands will make a move this month.

Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi has been linked with a move to Goodison Park after his loan spell was cut short, though Monaco are also keen on the Belgium international.

There are likely to be further outgoings before the deadline though as Brands works to lower the wage bill and shed the squad of dead wood.

That could include Morgan Schneiderlin, who has been linked with a move to Roma, whilst Celtic are believed to be among five clubs keen on James McCarthy.