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Cardiff City's transfer window is finally beginning to gather pace, with Jack Moylan expected to become the Bluebirds' first outfield signing of the summer. But while much of the focus has centred on incomings, there is also plenty happening behind the scenes regarding players who could be heading in the opposite direction. From fresh interest in Kion Etete to another promising youngster preparing for a loan move, here's the latest from Cardiff's transfer diary. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. New club keen on Kion Etete Kion Etete looks increasingly likely to spend another season away from Cardiff City, with League Two side Colchester United among the clubs showing an interest in the striker. The 24-year-old endured a frustrating loan spell at St Mirren last season after Brian Barry-Murphy decided the forward would be better served gaining experience elsewhere rather than playing in League One following Cardiff's relegation. His time in Scotland failed to reignite his career, however, after poor loans with Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United, meaning another move now appears the most likely outcome. Rumours circulated in recent weeks suggesting Etete had been on trial with Tranmere Rovers, but WalesOnline understands that was never the case. There is, however, a connection. Tranmere assistant boss Dean Whitehead, who worked with Etete during his time on Cardiff's coaching staff and briefly took interim charge while the striker enjoyed one of the brighter spells of his Bluebirds career, is understood to be an admirer. Port Vale also explored the possibility of signing Etete this summer, with manager John Brady another long-term admirer, but the Valiants instead completed a move for former Cardiff striker Max Watters from Barnsley. Newport County have also been linked, although there has been no contact between the clubs over a move to Rodney Parade at this stage. Whether new Exiles boss Hayden Mullins revisits that situation remains to be seen. As things stand, Colchester are the latest club to register an interest, although discussions have not progressed beyond that point. A permanent transfer is complicated by the fact Etete's wages have reverted to Championship levels following Cardiff's promotion, making a straight move difficult for many League One and League Two clubs unless the Bluebirds subsidise his salary. The preferred outcome from Cardiff's perspective is another loan, allowing the striker the chance to rebuild his value before making a longer-term decision next summer. The club also retain an option to extend his contract by a further year should they wish to exercise it. Mafico set for another loan spell Another player expected to leave temporarily is promising midfielder Dakarai Mafico. The 19-year-old impressed during a successful spell with Yeovil Town last season, winning the National League club's Young Player of the Year award. There had been hope he could challenge for a place in Barry-Murphy's first-team squad this season, particularly after spending much of pre-season around the senior group. However, Mafico was absent from Cardiff's final pre-season fixtures, with Barry-Murphy confirming to WalesOnline that another loan move is now on the cards. "He's fully fit," the Bluebirds boss said after the Roma friendly. "I think he's one of the players who will probably go out on loan, but I don't know where or when." Barry-Murphy is a huge admirer of Mafico and believes he has the attributes to become an elite deep-lying midfielder in time. But with Alex Robertson impressing in that No.6 role throughout pre-season and Eli King returning from injury to provide further competition, Cardiff feel regular senior football elsewhere would be more beneficial. The club are now expected to find Mafico a loan higher up the EFL pyramid than last season as they continue his development. Cardiff still targeting midfield addition as Hjertø-Dahl pursuit ends While Mafico is heading out, Cardiff are still searching for reinforcements in the middle of the park. Barry-Murphy admitted after Saturday's friendly with Roma that the club remain keen to strengthen at the base of midfield. "It's an area of the pitch we're still looking to improve and strengthen," he said. That search appears to have become even more important after Cardiff's pursuit of Jens Hjertø-Dahl effectively came to an end. The Bluebirds spent much of the summer chasing the highly-rated Tromsø midfielder, even lodging a huge bid of their own for the midfielder. However, Hull City now appear set to win that race, seemingly blowing Cardiff out of the water with a monster bid and offer of Premier League football. Tromsø boss Jørgen Vik all but confirmed Hjertø-Dahl's departure after Sunday's win over Aalesund, revealing the midfielder had been withdrawn from the squad because he was travelling to England. "We were informed that he was going to travel to England," Vik said. "Because of that we had to think differently." Asked about Tromsø's lucrative summer transfer business, which has also seen Tobias Guddal depart for Sparta Prague, Vik added: "They're enormous sums, both historically for the club and in Norwegian football generally. "But it doesn't really help me as a coach. What matters to me are the players I have available." With Hjertø-Dahl seemingly destined for Hull, Cardiff's recruitment team are now expected to turn their attention towards alternative midfield targets before the transfer window closes. --- *Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. 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