Will Vaulks has not had the most enjoyable time since signing for Cardiff but he could be about to receive a route out with rivals Bristol City reportedly among the clubs interested in signing him during the January transfer window.

However, according to the Mail Online, the Robins will have to fend off interest from both Sunderland and Stoke City if they are to land him.

The 26-year-old has made just nine Championship appearances so far this season but having netted seven goals and assisted seven more for relegated Rotherham last term, he is clearly someone capable of cutting it at this level.

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But who would be the big winners and losers if he were to arrive at Ashton Gate this month?

Ashley Williams

The Welshman has been the most regular face in the centre-back positions this season so is therefore the most likely to directly benefit from a new arrival in defensive midfield.

With the likes of Adam Nagy, Han-Noah Massengo and Korey Smith also capable of playing that role, Lee Johnson is not particularly short of options, but Vaulks would arrive with a more proven record in the second tier than Massengo and Nagy at least.

Han-Noah Massengo

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene with the Robins at the start of the season but his progress has since slowed down significantly.

He is now only starting sporadically with Korey Smith appearing to have moved ahead of him in the pecking order now as well, being confined to the bench for the entirety of four of their last six matches.

So one thing he will not want to see is more competition for places arrive and that is exactly what Vaulks would represent if he were to arrive.