"Magnificent move" - Pundit tips Leeds United to beat Burnley in Cardiff City transfer race | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has given his view on which club would be the best fit for Cardiff City winger Ollie Tanner.

Pundit Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United would be the best move for Cardiff City winger Ollie Tanner as speculation gathers pace about his future.

Tottenham Hotspur had agreed a deal to sign Tanner in January 2022 during his time with non-league side Lewes, but the move collapsed after he failed to agree personal terms with the Premier League outfit, and he joined Cardiff six months later.

Tanner struggled for regular game time last season under previous manager Erol Bulut, but he has become an important part of the team this campaign under Omer Riza, and he has played a crucial role in the Bluebirds' revival in recent months.

It seems that Tanner's performances have not gone unnoticed, and according to Football Insider, the 22-year-old is attracting interest from Leeds, Leicester City, Southampton and Burnley, with all four clubs believed to be weighing up a potential move.

However, Riza dismissed reports that Tanner could be set to depart the Cardiff City Stadium this month, telling Wales Online: "No. Ollie's a young lad, he's one of ours and he's doing really well. We need him, like we need all the other players in our team, and he's doing well. He's focused on doing his job at Cardiff and that's it, really."

Carlton Palmer backs Leeds United to win Ollie Tanner transfer race

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said that Leeds and Burnley would have the best chance of signing Tanner as they are more likely to be able to offer him Premier League football next season, and he believes a move to Elland Road could be perfect for the winger.

"Leeds, Southampton, Leicester and Burnley have all been credited with an interest in Cardiff winger Ollie Tanner," Palmer said.

"Cardiff manager Omer Riza has come out and said the player will not be leaving the club in the current transfer window.

"All those clubs are interested in signing Tanner, so it's a bit of a blow to them that Riza has come out with this statement.

"Leeds and Daniel Farke have yet to bring in a player during the transfer window, but he's not ruling out the possibility of a new arrival.

"Tanner is still only 22, he's shown his ability to play on either wing and even as a number 10, so he's very flexible.

"His performances have been very notable, contributing with goals and assists, and he's demonstrating his potential.

"The manager has said he won't be leaving in the January transfer window, but we've all heard that before, if the money is substantial, the situation can change very, very quickly.

"Who would he fit? I think it's definite that Leeds are looking to bring in some wide players to the football club.

"You've got Southampton who are sitting bottom of the Premier League and are going to be in the Championship next season and you've got Leicester who are likely to be in the Championship next season.

"So the player will be looking at Leeds and Burnley to decide which of those teams are going to be in the Premier League next season.

"I think the best fit for him would be Leeds, I honestly think they will go up this season, and I think it would be a magnificent move for him."

While he would face strong competition for places at Elland Road, it is difficult to disagree with Palmer that Leeds would be the best move for Tanner, but it may be tough for them to strike a deal this month.

With Cardiff still far from safe in the Championship, they will be reluctant to lose any of their key players as they battle against relegation, and from the Bluebirds' point of view, they may feel that they will be able to secure a higher fee for Tanner in the summer.

There are also question marks over whether Tanner is ready to make the step up to a club like Leeds at this stage, so the Whites should be cautious about making a move in January and reassess the situation in the summer when they know which league they will be playing in next season.