By Chris O'Brien
April 16 2005

Cardiff City have admitted interest in bringing on-form Wrexham forward Juan Ugarte to Ninian Park. The Basque striker has been on incredible form at the Racecourse, having previously played for Spanish giants Real Sociedad and English non-league minnows Dorchester Town. Cardiff City have confirmed their interest in bringing Wrexham forward Juan Ugarte to Ninian Park. The 24-year-old has been a revelation at the Racecourse, scoring a hatful of goals and helping the club to the LDV Cup at the Millennium Stadium.

Lennie Lawrence has confirmed his interest in the attacker who is out of contract at the end of the season. With a dire financial situation crippling the Bluebirds, Lawrence must look for bargains on the transfer market and it would be season as a major coup if he could lure Ugarte to South Wales on a free transfer.

"He'll be keeping his options open and no doubt his agent will be looking to see what's available." said the City boss.

The Basque striker moved to Wrexham on a short-term contract from Dorchester Town earlier in the season. His situation is very interesting, having moved to Liverpool on trial from Real Sociedad, but just missed out on being offered a permanent trial at Anfield. The highly-rated Ugarte went to non-league Dorchester, before being spotted by Wrexham scouts who were drawn to his attention by Liverpool.

Since his move to North Wales, Ugarte has won over supporters with some tremendous performances and consistent fine goal scoring form despite the club’s precarious League One position. He has started only 23 games for the Robins, yet has 19 goals to his name, including an amazing 5-goal return away at Hartlepool United.

Ugarte is happy with Wrexham, but with relegation looking increasingly likely for the Gogs, his future is more than uncertain. City can expect a lot of competition for Ugarte’s signature, but may finally have found a player capable of filling the void Robert Earnshaw’s departure left in the Bluebirds XI.