While a lot of the attention this transfer window has been on Cardiff’s attempts to recruit a striker, Neil Warnock has also been in the market for a central midfielder.
We’ve not seen too many names linked, but one that seems to have legs is the OGC Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze. The midfielder, who played for Nancy and Valenciennes before joining Nice, has represented France at U16, U17 and U18 levels.
He is currently managed by Patrick Viera, a guy who knows a thing or two about being a top Premier League midfielder, but could be making the switch to South Wales.
To get the lowdown on Tameze, VFTN’s Scott Salter spoke to French football expert Rich Allen about the midfielder and what he could bring to Cardiff City.
On Tameze’s style of play…
“Tameze is a busy central midfielder. Has been playing deeper role with Nice but doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of pushing forward, certainly was a bit more attack minded when at Valenciennes. Likes to breakdown attacks, good tackler, deceptively strong. He’s good on the ball and likes to run and take it forward. Solid enough with his distribution. He is what I would call an efficient player. Nothing too flashy, capable of doing the simple things well. Not too rash.”
On making the transition to the Premier League…
“I think he has the potential to be successful in the Premier League. He’s not afraid of the physical side of the game . Uses the ball well. Comparisons have been made with Abdoulaye Doucoure, due to the links to Watford. I can sort of see that but his style is slightly different. Tameze breaks down play more and is quicker. A comparison to ex-Nice, now Fulham midfielder Jean-Mickael Seri might be more reasonable.”
On the view in France…
“Tameze has been pretty much ever present for Nice this season and as their performances have improved so have Tameze’s. I’m not sure Patrick Vieira will be keen to see an important player like Tameze leave. There are more and more clubs rumoured to be bidding for the player, Cardiff, Watford and Burnley the most recent.”
On the rumoured £10mil fee…
“£10m would be an absolute steal and I would be surprised if Nice do let him go for that. They have experience of selling to the Premier League and got good money for Seri. Whilst he hasn’t reached Seri’s level, Nice must surely be aware that there is money to be had. Kudos to any team who can sign him for that amount.”
You can follow Rich on Twitter.