Transfer Talk: Moore goals a certainty if Wolves move for Kieffer

Man mountain Kieffer Moore has been tipped to swap Cardiff for Wolves before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.

The Welsh international striker stands at 6ft 4ins and the Molineux side have reportedly identified him as the man to provide them with more goals.

But is Moore, 29, the right choice to provide Raul Jimenez with competition up front and help Bruno Lage’s side find the back of the net more regularly?

Unlikely route to the top

Moore may be 29, yet his career at the top level is still in its infancy.

Just five years ago, Moore was deemed surplus to requirements at then non-league Forest Green Rovers and was sent out on loan to hometown club Torquay.

He netted five goals in four games and rather than a permanent move to Plainmoor, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy – now his manager at Cardiff – opted to bring him to Ipswich.

While it never worked out for him at Portman Road, a fruitful loan spell at Rotherham put him in the shop window and the former lifeguard has been on the rise ever since.

Moore moved from Barnsley to Wigan before the Bluebirds took advantage of the Latics’ financial troubles to snap him up for £1.75million in 2020.

And with 20 goals in 42 games last season, it proved smart business.

Remarkable rise

That rise is not far short of a fairytale and it was capped off with some eye-catching displays for Wales at Euro 2020.

But his current team-mates are just baffled as to how it took that long for him to reach the Championship..

Speaking ahead of the Euros, Welshman Jonny Williams said: "To improve like he has and become the player he has, he is built like a brick house, you know you can give him the ball wherever. He has been a pleasure to play with.

"You know he is going to hold it and do something with it. It's probably a bit of a disservice, people saying he has got a bad touch!

"I can't speak highly enough of him. You just wonder where he has been? He is 28 now."

Good touch for a big man

Moore has all the attributes of the archetypal target man – and he plays that role well.

He is a nightmare for defenders to deal with, uses his physical strength and wins plenty of headers in the box.

But Moore is a technically gifted player with a turn of pace that often catches opponents napping.

He is willing to run the channels for his side and stretch defences, as well as bringing team-mates into the game with hold-up and link play.

After netting the equaliser in Wales’ 1-1 draw with Switzerland to kick off Euro 2020, interim Welsh boss Rob Page sung his praises.

He said: "I've been very impressed with Kieffer throughout his time in international football.

"Maybe three years ago when I watched him for the first time, I thought his link-up play was excellent.

"He's not just a presence up top, he's more than that. He's got a good touch for a big lad and he's a willing runner.

"When you've got those attributes, it's going to be a recipe for success.”

Wolves need

Wolves desperately need a player to share the goalscoring load with the now fit again Raul Jimenez.

Only the bottom five sides scored less than their 36 Premier League goals last season.

New boss Lage has reiterated his desire for more quality in his squad – though he has not commented on the Moore links.

"We need top players. Some players to come and be in the squad, for me is not good," he said.

"If you want to do something special, with the way we play, we need top players.

"We need to increase the competition."

Cardiff have a price

Though the Bluebirds would not want to lose their star striker so late in the window, boss McCarthy knows there is a price.

He said: “As I've got older, I just realise there's nothing I can do about people sniffing around Kieffer Moore.

"If someone comes in and offers a huge amount of money, the club I'm sure will consider it.

"And he's want to go if he could get to the Premier League, because I would, if I was a player.

"If he doesn’t there’ll be something wrong. If he didn't, I wouldn’t want that type of player. You always want to be the best version of yourself you can be.

"If that happens, I would be absolutely devastated for me, the fans and the club. But I’d be delighted for him."

Now it remains to be seen whether Wolves make their move, or if the rumours were wide of the mark.

If Moore does get his Premier League chance, you can bet he will make a splash.