Jones has previously said he wants to bring in four players

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones believes this is the most important week of the season for the financially challenged Championship club.

The Bluebirds cannot sign players until they have settled a £2.7m tax bill, and are facing a winding up order on 10 February in the High Court.

But Jones wants to see some new faces ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

"Our season depends on what we do this week, whether we get injured players back or bring people in," he said.

"I think everyone is hoping it goes the way that we want it to go.

"I haven't given up hope of signing players as that's what I'm being told. The board know what we want because I've told them enough times.

"If something happens this week then it will be fantastic but if it doesn't then we'll have to soldier on and get the best out of them as we're doing at this moment in time."

Jones wants to bring in four players and remains hopeful that deals can be done this week.

606: DEBATE I honestly think that if DJ isn't given the opportunity to strengthen the squad before the close of the transfer window, he may walk (at some point) Bluebird83

He had hoped to use an estimated £3m raised from a season ticket initiative, but their embargo on transfers while the tax bill is outstanding has put paid to that for the time being.

"We need a little impetus and a push to the finish," he added. "It would make a big difference, the boys know they need a bit of help and they are working as hard as they can.

"I can put 11 players on the field but football is is not about 11 anymore, it's about a squad of 18 to 20 players and fierce competition for places. That's what our rivals Leicester and Nottingham Forest have."

The 2008 FA Cup finalists face a second winding up order on 10 February if an unpaid tax bill to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is not paid by then.

Cardiff could still come up with an agreed repayment structure - so the club avoid a winding-up order just days before their lucrative FA Cup fifth round tie with holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Bluebirds, who banked £90,000 plus gate receipts for their fourth round win over Leicester, will have their coffers boosted by 45% of the Stamford Bridge gate, an estimated £500,000 - plus more if the game is screened live on television.

The cash will be a much-needed boost for the hard-up Welsh club who are effectively up for sale.

Guernsey-based property developer Ben Steele and a group of American investors are apparently in negotiations with chairman Peter Ridsdale about a possible £40m takeover.

Jones claims the club "has to be taken over" as "we have all run our course."

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