Bothroyd is said to replace the leaving Heskey.

While Wigan are the favourites to re-sign the player they sold to Villa for £3.5m in January, Villa seem prepared as they are scouting Bothroyd’s Championship form.

Bothroyd offers a similar powerful presence up front. Cardiff are now high in the table and boss Dave Jones would be reluctant to sell.

But Cardiff would find it hard to resist a bid of £3-£4m.

Meanwhile Heskey will surely opt to go back to Wigan in January, with the Latics one of the few clubs who could guarantee first-team football.