Cardiff City can land £1.5m bargain on early evidence - League One record speaks volumes | OneFootball

Cardiff City loanee Nathan Trott is yet to concede a goal from open play in League One

Cardiff City's first season in League One since the 2002/03 campaign has been very impressive, with the promotion hopefuls making a blistering start to life in English football's third-tier.

Under the leadership of Brian Barry-Murphy and with a largely youthful squad, the Bluebirds have been dominant through their opening seven games, especially in defence.

On-loan shot stopper Nathan Trott has been a big part of that, having arrived from Copenhagen last month. He made his Cardiff debut the next day against Port Vale, which began a streak of five consecutive clean sheets in League One.

The 26-year-old's goal may have been breached for the first time in league action against Stockport County, but with that goal coming from the penalty spot, it still means that Barry-Murphy's side, and Trott himself, are yet to concede from open play in the third tier.

Trott has been a revelation to an already strong defensive side, and with a buy option in place at the end of the loan if Cardiff secures promotion, Bluebirds fans will be praying that their side can finish inside the top two to be in with a chance of making his move permanent.

Nathan Trott's goalkeeping excellence for Cardiff City

Cardiff's defensive numbers this season have been ridiculous, mainly due in part to Trott's performances since he joined on loan from Copenhagen.

Brian Barry-Murphy's side have conceded just twice in the league through seven games, with both goals coming from the spot. The five clean sheets they have kept are the most in League One.

And whilst plaudits will be laid on the entire backline, special mention has to be given to Trott, who has performed exceptionally since he made the move last month.

According to Fotmob, Trott has the highest save percentage in League One, and his 3.4 goals prevented are double the goals prevented by Lincoln City keeper George Wickens, who sits second in that statistic.

The Bluebirds have been dominant in all of their home games so far this season in League One, but in away games, where Brian Barry-Murphy's side are under a little more pressure, Trott has had to come up with some big moments.

Away from home, Cardiff have yet to score more than once, and in their 1-0 win at Luton Town, especially, the 26-year-old has almost single-handedly ensured that the points return to the Welsh capital.

Bluebirds fans will be praying that his move can be made permanent at the end of the season, and that dream could become a reality for a relatively low fee, depending on one outcome.

As is the case with any side that suffers relegation, the hope among its fanbase is that they can immediately right the wrongs of the previous season and secure immediate promotion.

For Cardiff this season, promotion won't just bring about the joys of being back in the Championship, but it will also make it much easier to buy Trott from Copenhagen at the end of his loan spell.

The two clubs agreed on a £1.5 million buy option at the end of the loan move, but that only comes into effect if the Bluebirds secure promotion come May.

It may have only been a month, but Trott's performances so far have shown that he is way above the level of League One, and he'd be a big part of the Cardiff squad who'd be battling to remain in the Championship next season, if they were promoted.

Given how competitive League One is shaping up to be this season, promotion won't be straightforward, but Cardiff currently leads the way, and they are the final unbeaten team in the third tier.

If Trott can continue to keep the goals out at the rate he's shown through his opening months between the sticks in the Welsh capital, then he may find himself there permanently next season.