Bristol Rovers are mulling a move for Cardiff City defender James Connolly, Bristol Live understands.
The Gas are in need of defensive reinforcements after a series of injuries and the mid-season retirement of Mark Hughes and the 20-year-old is among the options being considered for a loan.
The centre-half came through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers and joined Cardiff on a one-year deal in June.
Connolly has captained Cardiff's under-23s side this season, but he is yet to make a senior appearance.
But a lack of EFL experience has not bothered Gas boss Joey Barton in the past, with Connor Taylor making just a single appearance for Stoke City and a handful of non-league starts before he made his bow in the blue and white quarters.
Taylor has since established himself as Rovers' top centre-back and claimed the EFL Young Player of the Month prize for October.
Should Barton decide Connolly is the right man for the Gas and Cardiff sanction the move, he could become Rovers' second signing of the January window after the arrival of striker Ryan Loft from Scunthorpe United on Tuesday.
At his press conference on Friday, Barton confirmed the Gas were working on more signings in the wake of Hughes' decision to join Plymouth Argyle's coaching staff.
"We’ve got some irons in the fire on that," Barton said. "I’m hopeful that we won’t miss a beat on that, but nothing is done as yet.
"I’m not sure what we’re going to do, but we’re always looking to add quality.
"This is not a January window for me like I’ve had in the past where I’ve been like ‘I want this, this and this’.
"A little shuffle of the pack, which January has given us the opportunity to do, but nothing major and we’re good to go and really looking forward to the second half of the season.
"It might be one or two in and out, but it’s not wholesale changes. We’ve got our group and we’re really happy with the group."
Update (1.45pm) - Rovers confirmed the signing of Connolly on loan until the end of the season.
SIGN UP: For our newsletter to receive more exclusive Bristol Rovers content
