Cardiff City are closing in on a deal to bring in Leicester City winger Will Alves on loan, WalesOnline understands.

The Bluebirds have targeted a winger since the beginning of the window, with a number of Premier League sides sounded out. But the talented wide player, 19, has been near the top of Omer Riza's list and Cardiff are confident of getting the deal done.

Alves is understood to be a quick but technical player and is known to the Bluebirds boss after working with him for three years in the England set-up. He can be deployed across the front three and is able to fulfil a number of roles including out wide and as a playmaker.

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The winger is an England youth international at multiple age grades and insiders at the club believe he will really strengthen the club's options out wide and will be a strong character within the group. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

Alves signed a four-year deal with Leicester in the summer and the Foxes believe in his ability and want to test him out on loan. This would be his first loan away from the Premier League club, whom he joined at under-9s.

The teenager played in the Carabao Cup games against Tranmere Rovers and Manchester United, coming off the bench for 20 minutes on both occasions, and made his Premier League bow a month ago against champions Manchester City.

Earlier this month, Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy said: "He’s been doing really well in training. That’s why he’s there. He’s pushing for a place in the squad.

“What he has is speed, good feet, he can create something, powerful. It’s what we need on the wings, players who can take on one-v-ones, get balls into the opponent’s box and get past people to create chances for us. Will is capable of that. Of course, he’s very young and needs to keep working like he’s doing now.”

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It was initially thought that Leicester wanted to keep him at the club, believing he could make an impact in the second half of the Premier League season. However, it has recently been decided that a loan away would be beneficial for all.

Speaking to local radio in Leicester, Alves recently said: “I have to continue with the confidence I have to play. I want to get as many minutes as I can. The more I play, the more I improve every single day. I want to play men’s football as much as possible, whether that’s here or on loan. I’m excited for the new year.”

If all goes well, a deal could be completed this weekend.