Lee Tomlin is closing in on a return to football with League Two outfit Walsall keen on his signature.
The former Bluebirds playmaker was released by Cardiff back in October after his contract was terminated by mutual consent following a string of injuries and agonising setbacks.
The 33-year-old trained for a few days with non-League Wrexham at the start of February, however a deal could not be struck for the player to sign there permanently.
Now, though, ex-Newport County boss Michael Flynn is lining up a move for free agent Tomlin.
READ MORE: All the latest Cardiff City news, views, features and opinion here
The Welshman was appointed as Saddlers boss this month after leaving Newport earlier this season and is looking to bolster his squad for the back end of the campaign.
And he sees Tomlin as a player who can make an impact for the club in the coming months and potentially beyond.
It is understood that the proximity to Tomlin's home in Leicester is a big factor in him considering joining the League Two outfit.
Talks have been held between Flynn and Tomlin and things are accelerating at a pace, it is understood, with just paperwork now left to sign. He could sign as early as Friday if things go smoothly.
On Tuesday night, Tomlin offered up the clearest indication yet that he was set for a return to the pitch when he posted on Instagram: "Time to get back out there and enjoy playing again."
Tomlin has been working hard to get his levels of fitness back to somewhere near his peak, having gone out to Dubai on a boot camp before continuing his work back home in the Midlands.
The challenge for the player, and for Flynn and Co if he signs for the Saddlers, is for him to recapture the sizzling form he displayed in the 2019/20 season for Cardiff.
Tomlin produced nine goals and 10 assists that season as he spearheaded the Bluebirds' surge into the play-offs, earning him the club's Player of the Year award.
A groin injury hampered his progression, though, and he struggled to return to full fitness following surgery on the area in October 2020.
For the latest Cardiff City news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our newsletter here.
