Cardiff City are closing in on a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Islam Feruz, according to the Daily Mail.

The Scotland under-21 international would be the latest acquisition in what is proving to be a busy first transfer window at the club for manager Russell Slade - yesterday, the ex-Leyton Orient boss fended off interest from Borussia Dortmund to sign Millwall defender Scott Malone.

Feruz is unlikely to be the subject of interest from any European giants, but Cardiff could still be facing a battle to secure his signature; Bolton Wanderers are also said to be in contention to sign the highly-rated 19-year-old.

The deal has already faced some issues, with Feruz having switched representatives in the past week - but his new agent Dimitri Celuk seems to be keen on making the deal happen.

“Islam is enjoying his time with Cardiff this week,” said Abdul Bihi, an associate of Celuk's, to Cardiff City Mad.

"He has trained for the last two days, is keen to stay and would love to be involved against Fulham.

There are other Championship clubs keen on Islam but Cardiff made the most serious proposal.”

Feruz, who has four-and-a-half years left on a lucrative deal he signed with Chelsea last January, boasts an impressive scoring record at youth level and was a star of the late Next Gen Series. He's represented Scotland at every youth level, scoring 13 goals.

“He needs to play and learn. The next loan spell will be crucial to his development,” Bihi continued.

“I can see him forming an effective partnership with Kenwyne Jones. They would work well together.”

Feruz is the latest in a long line of Chelsea youngster leaving the club on loan this January, with the moves of Lewis Baker and Todd Kane both being confirmed this morning.