Chelsea starlet Islam Feruz poised to make Cardiff City move

Cardiff City are poised to sign Islam Feruz on loan from Chelsea by the end of the week, according to manager Russell Slade.

Former Celtic starlet Feruz initially appeared reluctant to make the move after his representatives indicated the player was not keen making on a move to south Wales.

But it would appear the 19-year-old forward has had a change of heart and has already started training with the Championship club, with a move set to be finalised in the coming days.

"We were told Islam wasn't coming down, but he is here and trained with us," Slade told Wales Online. "He has apparently changed representatives, but that is all sorted now and Islam was keen to join us this week."

Feruz, who has represented Scotland at every level up to under-21, has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Blues since he signed a professional contract with the club in 2011.

While Birmingham City have also been credited with keen interest in the forward, his arrival at the Cardiff City Stadium would appear to be imminent and could be in line to make his debut in the Championship clash with Fulham on Saturday 10 January.

"Islam is training with us and we will have talks over the next few days," Slade continued. "If this works out as we hope he could be in the squad against Fulham."

Chelsea have already been involved in one move during the January transfer window, sanctioning Fernando Torres' permanent transfer to AC Milan, one that paved the way for his Atletico Madrid homecoming on loan.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is also poised to leave the club after Jose Mourinho confirmed the Australian is on the verge of a move to Leicester City, with Jamal Blackman returning to the club from his loan at Middlesbrough to act as third-choice 'keeper.