Is it the return of Koumas

The rumour hit the internet this afternoon but has been on the boil since Wigan let it be known that Jason Koumas, was not in the plans of the Wigan boss Roberto Martinez's. He only made seven starts in all games last season, while he came off the bench three times, scoring just once.

BBC Wales Sport has now taken up the story saying Cardiff City is close or have completing the season-long loan switch of former midfielder Jason Koumas. Everything is depending on getting the embargo lifted which which is like a stone around the neck of the club.

Bluebird’s chief executive Gethin Jenkins is reported to have said:

"We continue to work towards removing hurdles at the club and are working with the intention to come out of embargo ahead of the new season.

"During this time, Dave (Jones, manager) has presented targets including Jason Koumas as he looks to strengthen the squad.

"We are pleased to have agreed terms with Wigan and to welcome Jason back to Cardiff City."

Koumas spend a season loan with the City before 2005/06 and quickly became a cult hero among the fans. He ended up at Cardiff after he fell out with the then new boss Bryan Robson at West Brom. Robson stated that he was "disappointed" with the attitude of Koumas and placed him on the transfer list.

While at Ninian Park he put in game after game of man-of-the-match performances, scoring 13 goals in 44 league and cup appearances. He went on to win the Player of the Year award and said he wanted to stay. The then chairman Sam Hammam started making all the right about doing a deal with West Brom but it drag on until the new boss Tony Mowbray told him he must return to West Brom for pre-season training.

With Hammam still say the midfielder was still is number one target Koumas decided not to return for the start of pre-season but train alone. Hammam then said the attempt to sign the Welsh International was over leaving Koumas out on a lim. I have virtually on strike and was unpopular with the fans for asking to leave. With nowhere to go he met with Mowbray to discuss the future and came away with a new three-year-contract.