Cardiff manager Neil Warnock fears Liverpoolâs defensive injuries could scupper his planned January move for Nathaniel Clyne.
The right-back has had injury problems this season and not played in the Premier League, although he is now training fully.
Warnock has confirmed his interest in the 27-year-old, but the Reds are currently without defensive trio Joe Gomez (fractured leg), Joel Matip (fractured collarbone) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (foot).
âI know Nathaniel, I gave him his debut,â Warnock said, ahead of Saturdayâs Premier League trip to Watford.
âBut the thing about that is they (Liverpool) have had a lot of injuries and theyâve got to look after themselves. Itâs very difficult to get clubs to commit.
âHe (Clyne) would be one on our list, yes. We are looking at that position.â
Warnock is aiming to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, but admits it is not a straightforward process.
âWeâve spoken about a number of players, and even the ones we are talking about signing, it doesnât mean they are going to be better than what weâve got,â he added.
âWe are looking at targets all over the show and crossed a few off this week â and added one or two targets.
âJanuary is difficult, and you sometimes pay over the top. I donât want to bring in anybody who is not better than what weâve got. Itâs as difficult as Iâve ever seen it.
âWhen we are looking at a player, weâre not looking at players the top half of the Premier League can afford.
âYou have to weigh up the cost of the player, look at the situation if we got relegated, the financial implications of the club, and whoâs available.
âWe are looking at three positions if we can, but I am probably only confident in one position of the three. It looks like if our number one or two options donât come off, it will be the end of January.â
Cardiffâs victory over Southampton last weekend lifted them to 14th in the Premier League, two places behind Watford, but they have only collected one point on their travels this term â at Huddersfield in August.