Cardiff City boss Russell Slade impressed by Khaleem Hyland as he hunts for midfield enforcer

The 25-year-old midfielder, currently frozen out at Belgian club Genk, is spending a week training in the Welsh capital with a view to a permanent deal.

A tough-tackling midfielder, Hyland is a Trinidad & Tobago international and good friends with Bluebirds striker Kenwyne Jones.

Standing at 6ft he would seem to fit the bill when it comes to boosting Slade’s options, but the Cardiff manager said it was too early to make a decision on the player yet.

“First impressions are good, he had a good first session with us, but it’s early days yet,” said Slade.

“He came recommended to us and Kenwyne has told us a lot about him so we thought we would invite him over.

“He’s a big strong lad and very combative in the middle of the park. Saying that though technically he is very good as well.

“We will see how things go throughout the week now.”

Hyland has made just two appearances this season for Genk who are managed by former Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish.

He was also left behind when the Belgian side went on warm weather training to Turkey recently and despite being contracted until summer 2016, he can buy himself out of his contract now.

The midfielder, who played in the Champions League for Genk in 2012, is known to be keen on a move to Britain.

He almost joined Portsmouth back in 2007 and had a trail with Celtic, but saw his plans scuppered then by problems over a work permit.

Hyland received Belgian citizenship last summer so that is no longer an issue.

He remains a Trinidad and Tobago international with 37 caps so far.

Friends with striker Jones, the two men went out for dinner together in Cardiff Bay following the Bluebirds Championship win over Fulham on the weekend.

Hyland, who is represented by Cardiff-based lawyer Paul Mohamed, recently trained with Crystal Palace and the Eagles are said to be still monitoring his situation this month, but the Bluebirds look likely to get first refusal on his services.