Cardiff City have joined the race to sign Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley on loan, Football Lowdown understands.
The Bluebirds are among several clubs showing an interest in the 20-year-old, who is expected to make a decision on his immediate future next week. We understand SC Cambuur and Aberdeen are also keen on the forward, while another unnamed Championship club has entered the chase.
Wheatley is currently away with Manchester United and no final call is expected until he returns. Cardiff are anticipating movement on incoming transfers next week, with the striker now one of the players under consideration as they look to add further attacking options.
The Manchester United academy graduate already has experience across the EFL following loan spells with Walsall, Northampton Town and Bradford City. His most productive period came with Northampton during the first half of last season, when he scored three times in 22 League One appearances before being recalled in January.
He subsequently joined Bradford for the remainder of the campaign, making 12 appearances without scoring. The loan proved a difficult one for the youngster, who was also left out of Bradford’s two League One play-off semi-final matches against Bolton Wanderers.
Despite that spell, Wheatley remains highly regarded at Old Trafford. He joined the Manchester United academy at the age of nine and became the club’s 250th academy graduate when he made his Premier League debut against Sheffield United in April 2024.
The 6ft 2in striker has made four senior appearances for United and remains under contract until 2028. He has also represented England from under-17 to under-20 level, scoring three goals for both the under-18 and under-19 sides.
Wheatley was previously linked with moves abroad, including interest from Schalke and newly promoted Eredivisie side SC Cambuur, who are still in the hunt. A development loan outside England had been considered, but Cardiff’s interest now presents him with another domestic option at Championship level.
Aberdeen would offer the chance to play regularly in the Scottish Premiership, while Cardiff can provide second-tier football and the opportunity to continue his development in the EFL.
Cardiff are expected to be active in the transfer market next week as work continues on strengthening the squad. Wheatley is not the only attacking player being considered, but Football Lowdown understands he is firmly on their radar and a loan move is now a genuine possibility.
Much will depend on the player’s preference once he returns from Manchester United duty. A decision is expected next week, with Cardiff, Aberdeen and at least one other Championship side waiting to discover where the forward wants to spend the 2026/27 season.
