Bristol City boss Derek McInnes is chasing highly-rated Fulham defender Matthew Briggs.
There has been contact between the two clubs and the Robins are hoping to tie up a deal to bring the England Under-21 international, pictured, to Ashton Gate on loan until the end of the season.
A left-back who can also operate in the centre of defence and on the wing, 20-year-old Briggs could be on board in time for Saturday's crucial home npower Championship relegation battle against Doncaster Rovers.
Although McInnes refuses to talk openly about his transfer targets, he is working hard to further bolster his squad before the January window closes in two weeks' time.
And Briggs, who has made 14 appearances for Fulham this season, is in line to become the former St Johnstone manager's fourth January signing.
Briggs has been a regular fixture in the Cottagers' Europa League side this season as well as featuring in Premier League games and a Carling Cup tie against Chelsea.
Now that Fulham are out of Europe, manager Martin Jol is keen for Briggs to go out on loan and gain further first-team experience in the Championship.
He made his debut for Stuart Pearson's England Under-21 side in a 6-0 drubbing of Azerbaijan in September last year.
The youngest player to feature in a Premier League game when making his Fulham debut in a 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough in May 2007, aged 16 years and 65 days, the 6ft 2in Londoner is attracting interest from a number of clubs.
City boss McInnes wants Briggs to help strengthen a team that is engaged in an increasingly desperate fight against relegation near the foot of the English second tier.