Town are one of a number of clubs reported to be keen on Hamilton Academical skipper Mikey Devlin, who is closing in on a return to action having missed all the season up to now with a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in May.
According to TEAMtalk, Cardiff are ready to make a move for the 24-year-old central defender, who is out of contract with the Scottish Premiership side next summer, during the January window with the Blues and Preston also claimed to be interested.
Devlin came through the ranks at New Douglas Park and has made 135 starts and 12 sub appearances, scoring five goals, since making his senior debut in January 2011, in addition to two spells on loan at Stenhousemuir early in his career.
While the Blues might well look to recruit another centre-half in January, manager Mick McCarthy would ideally want a player able to go straight into his side if required rather than someone still working on their fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Speaking yesterday, McCarthy said Town are unlikely to make too many January additions and those signings are more likely to be loans unless someone is sold. He added that he is under no pressure to offload anyone during the window.