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This week has seen Cardiff City linked with one of Scottish football's brightest young talents in Luke McCowan of Ayr United.

However, it's not a name that will be too familiar to many fans in South Wales.

So, who exactly is he, and would he be a good signing for Cardiff?

Here's the full lowdown.

Who is he?

A very highly-rated talent in Scotland, the 21-year old has come through the ranks at Somerset Park, and only broke into the first team set-up towards the end of last season.

And, although he only played a handful of games, he made a big impression on previous Ayr boss Ian McCall, who over the summer tipped him for the very top.

Shortly before leaving for Partick Thistle, he said: “I’ve been wrong about many things over the years.

“But I just have a feeling that Luke could be very, very special indeed."

The player himself has done his stock very little harm with a series of impressive performances over this campaign, netting eight goals in all competitions, and there is a feeling that he could well follow former Swansea City target Lawrence Shankland out the door soon.

Where does he play?

While he can play almost anywhere across the front three, McCowan's ability to pull the strings in the middle of the park, combined with creativity and trickery means he's best suited as a number 10.

Predominantly left-footed, he is already making this Ayr side tick and is central to their plans for the current campaign, providing assists as well as goals.

How much would he cost?

Contrary to previous reports, McCowan is understood to have 18 months left on a two-year deal with the club, who are willing to put up a fight to bat away any potential suitors.

Nevertheless, a fee of around £250,000 is likely to be enough to prise him away.

Ayr are hoping to give themselves further leverage by offering McCowan a new extension soon, although the chances of him signing may well become increasingly unlikely should such speculation over his future continue.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

What's the latest situation?

As things stand, there hasn't been any concrete approach from Cardiff or anyone else, but their alleged interest isn't too much of a surprise.

Scouts from a number of clubs are believed to have watched the player, meaning City may well face some pretty hefty competition should they wish to firm up any interest.

The local view

Stuart Wilson, who covers Ayr United for the Ayrshire Post believes McCowan could prove a useful addition, but is unlikely to hit the ground running in the Championship.

"He's one of the most exciting players that I've seen in around 20 years, but it's still a massive, massive jump to the Championship.

"He certainly wouldn't be walking into the first team that's for sure. He'd have to be a long-term project.

"If he continues like he is now. I wouldn't be surprised if a Championship team came in for him, because Championship teams could get him for what they would view as a snip and he's certainly got a huge upside to him.

"He's got a good attitude about him and all that sort of stuff so I can see him going very far. But usually, historically, our best player has gone into about League One level.

"A few years ago we lost our skipper to Walsall and that was a big move at the time. I can't remember the last time we lost a player to the Championship.

"So I guess from that point of view it would raise a few eyebrows.

"But he's a confident player. He's got a bit of swagger to him.

"He's maybe not the most disciplined in terms of defending. He's very much the sort of swashbuckling player that you give the freedom to enjoy themselves."