Bayern Munich eyeing up surprise Cardiff City transfer raid | OneFootball

Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Cardiff City defender Dylan Lawlor ahead of the January transfer window.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Cardiff City defender Dylan Lawlor, who has been a revelation for Brian Barry-Murphy's side this season in League One.

It's not every day you hear of European powerhouses shopping in the EFL, but that's currently the case as Vincent Kompany's side are tracking Cardiff wonderkid Lawlor, according to reports from TalkSPORT.

The 19-year-old has been a stalwart in the Bluebirds' defence this season, which has seen plenty of interest emerge from clubs higher up the food chain, with the runaway Bundesliga leaders reportedly joining the chase.

Lawlor's stock is through the roof after he received his first senior Wales call-up back in June, and he has since gone on to put in a Man-of-the-Match performance on his full international debut against Kazakhstan in September.

Now, the teenager isn't short of potential suitors heading into the January window, and could have his national team head coach to thank if Bayern do come calling this winter.

Bayern Munich keeping tabs on Cardiff City's Dylan Lawlor

League One is a breeding ground for excellent young talent, make no mistake about that, and it seems Lawlor is the latest player in the ever-growing list of third tier stars who could go on to play at the very top level.

It's no secret that the 19-year-old is highly admired by many top flight clubs, as there have reportedly been Premier League scouts flocking to South Wales to watch the teenage sensation in action.

However, according to TalkSPORT, the interest isn't only from the Premier League, as Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Lawlor ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

The youngster already has three senior caps for Wales, and it's been said that Bayern boss Kompany has been tipped off by current Wales manager Craig Bellamy - his former assistant at Anderlecht and Burnley - about Lawlor's potential.

Lawlor is a crucial part of the current Cardiff squad, playing 16 of the Bluebirds' 20 league matches thus far, chipping in with a goal, and ranking very highly in the progressive passing stats.

The valuation of Lawlor is currently unknown, but the Welsh club would likely be holding out for a hefty fee to persuade them into a mid-season sale of their prized asset.

Dylan Lawlor doesn't need to rush big money transfer — he currently has all he needs at Cardiff City

Whilst it's understandable that a young player would be enticed by a move to one of Europe's elite clubs, and rightly so, there is absolutely no rush for Lawlor to jump at the first opportunity, as he currently has all he needs at Cardiff.

The Bluebirds are loving life in League One, playing some excellent football under Barry-Murphy, who is notorious for developing young players into superstars, particularly in his previous role with Man City.

The style of football that Cardiff play under the Irishman suits Lawlor's strengths perfectly, allowing him to grow and thrive, and it's clear he has a big part in the short-term future of the football club.

Another key point is that Lawlor is catching the eye of Bellamy and earning call-ups for his country. This means if he keeps doing what he's doing, a spot in Wales' World Cup squad, should they qualify, is almost guaranteed.

If the teenager leaves the club for a European powerhouse too early, he then runs the risk of a lack of minutes hindering his international chances and development. Even if he was sent out on loan, there's no guarantee he'll suit the style of play.

With that in mind, Lawlor shouldn't rush into any decisions. He already has everything going perfectly for him at Cardiff, and if he keeps his head down and kicks on, better opportunites will arise in the future.