Cardiff City are reportedly not prepared to let Sunderland target Will Vaulks leave the club this month. 

With Dylan McGeouch offloaded earlier this month and the aging Grant Leadbitter having looked off the pace at times this season, Phil Parkinson could do with adding some reinforcements in the centre of the park.

It is understood that the Black Cats were interested in adding Vaulks to solve that issue but faced some competition from Bristol City and Stoke City.

The 26-year-old joined the Bluebirds from Rotherham United in the summer but has had limited opportunities this season, playing just 298 minutes of Championship football in total, and is believed to have recently vented his frustration at his lack of game time.

However, Wales Online has now reported that the Bluebirds value Vaulks too highly to let him leave the club this month and are thought to see him as vital to the squad moving forward.

The North East club do appear to have been looking at other options, as they have been linked to Manchester City youngster Matt Smith and out-of-favour Rangers man Greg Docherty.

With nine days left of the January transfer window, it is going to be interesting to see what deals the Black Cats can get over the line.

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The Verdict

This sounds like a definitive setback, which is a real blow for Sunderland because Vaulks would have been a fantastic addition to their side.

The 26-year-old hasn't been given too many opportunities at Cardiff but was fantastic for the Millers over the past few seasons.

Vaulks was one of Rotherham's shining lights last season, finishing the campaign with seven goals and seven assists from central midfield.

He also has experience getting promoted from League One, having achieved it with the Millers in the 2017/18 campaign, which would've been a boost for the squad.

With Vaulks off the table, Sunderland need to ensure they bring in someone else before the window shuts.