Neil Warnock is eager to build on the transfers of Josh Murphy and Greg Cunningham and is now targeting at least two loan signings.

As Cardiff City learned their Premier League fixture list for 2018/19, Warnock was in a confident mood about the calibre of players he is bringing to the club.

Although budgets are tight, Cardiff will continue to target players in the right "mould" and have already shelled out £14million so far this summer.

They have been linked with loan moves for West Ham United midfielder Robert Snodgrass and Liverpool's Marko Grujic, who spent part of last term with the Bluebirds.

"We have made offers for three or four players on loan and we've got our eye on another two permanent deals," the veteran boss confirmed, with the identity of those players kept closely under wraps.

(Image: Cardiff City FC)

But Warnock confirmed which positions he is keen to strengthen, admitting he is happy with his defence after the arrival of Cunningham.

"I would like another wide player, striker and definitely a midfield player", he added. "Maybe two of them.

"My defence is my least concern to be honest. If I have to forego not signing a defender but instead get a player in midfield, I'd look at that. The defence has got us this far and I'm confident in those lads.

"We'll wait and see what comes off with the budget.

"Vincent doesn't mind me saying that our budget will be just over half of what Huddersfield's is, to give you some comparison.

"But that's not going to disappointment me. We've got a good groups of lads and I'm bringing in players to fit into that, I won't disrupt it or bring people who can't fit into the mould."

Warnock also admitted that players will leave the club this summer, though expects offers to arrive later in the window.

Lee Tomlin has been the main name linked with a move elsewhere but Warnock doesn't expect many imminent departures.

"There will be players (leaving) that haven't played much in the last season," Warnock added.

"I've got three or four in my mind and I've said to them 'come back [for] pre-season and let's see what happens'.

"I don't want them staying for the sake of the wages, I want to see if they're going to be involved.

"And if not we'll loan them out or transfer them."

On the fixtures for the upcoming season, Warnock highlighted a September period — in which his side face three 'big six' teams in successive games — as the nightmare spell in Cardiff's season.

Yet he is relishing the opening game of the season at Bournemouth and the challenge ahead.

"They're all tough really, but you look at the top six and you always think they're formidable," he said.

"Bournemouth have just bought a player we were looking at actually, but it was more than what our budget is.

"It will be tough. Bournemouth have done it as you want to do. They've got into the Premier League, they've invested very cleverly, Eddie (Howe) has done a great job and steadied the ship and they've gone from strength to strength.

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"I'm looking forward to going and having a chat with him.

"And then Newcastle at home — we couldn't wish for a better home game. Josh Murphy against his twin (Jacob)! It will be a full house without a shadow of a doubt.

"And it'll be great to go to my old club Huddersfield before we start the September where it's 'look away!' — when you look at Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.

"But that's what we're here for. If you'd said to our fans 12 months ago that in September we're going to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City they'd have thought we're in cuckoo land. But let's enjoy it, let's go.

"Crystal Palace on Boxing Day is a nice one for me, I've got a lot of mates up there and it will be bouncing up there at Christmas. It's always a good atmosphere.

"We're going to be underdogs everywhere we go but with the players I'm bringing in, I think we can give everyone a good run for their money.

"There are exciting times ahead. If the fans can be formidable, especially at home, then miracles can happen. We proved that last year."