James Vaughan has been on loan at Crystal Palace this season

Cardiff City have been linked with a move for Everton striker James Vaughan in the January transfer window.

BBC Sport Wales understands that discussions have taken place but that nothing has been signed.

Championship rivals Hull City are also thought to be keen on the 22-year-old, whose early career has been disrupted by knee and shoulder injuries.

Vaughan joined Crystal Palace in September on a three-month loan and scored five goals in 14 games.

Louis Saha, Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu are ahead of Vaughan in the striking pecking order at Goodison Park, while Toffees manager David Moyes has often preferred to use goal-scoring midfielder Tim Cahill as a lone forward.

Should Cardiff, currently second in the Championship despite Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Watford, secure Vaughan it would increase speculation about the future of Jay Bothroyd.

Bothroyd is the Championship's top-scorer this season with 15 goals and was rewarded with a senior international call by England boss Fabio Capello.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones has issued a hands-off warning to potential suitors, but Bothroyd's current contract with the south Wales side will expire at the end of the season and Cardiff risk losing their crown jewel for nothing.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version