Reports in Wales claimed Kenny Jackett saw an opening bid of £1.5million for the forward rejected, with Bluebirds boss Russell Slade valuing Mason nearer the £3m mark.

However, it is understood Wolves' opening gambit was lower than the figure suggested and they will now go in with a second offer. Jackett is thought to be very keen on the 24-year-old as he seeks to bolster his attacking options following the departures of Kevin Doyle, Leon Clarke, Jake Cassidy and – in all likelihood – Bakary Sako.

Mason scored for Cardiff in their Carling Cup final defeat to Liverpool at Wembley in 2012 but has spent three different spells on loan at Bolton as he has struggled for regular football.

But Slade sees Mason, who is contracted to Cardiff until 2018, as a highly-rated striking option.

Wolves have also been linked with 21-year-old Charlton Athletic forward Callum Harriott.

Jackett has been boosted, however, by news injury victims Razak Boukari and Tommy Rowe have been declared fit and firing ahead of the new season.

Both players are ready to stake a claim in Jackett's first-team plans after recovering from a succession of knocks.

Rowe missed the second half of last season but is now 'flying', while Boukari has been fit since April and is being lined up to start pre-season training with the rest of the squad.

Advertising

"He's doing really well," head of medical Phil Hayward said. "He's been in all summer working on his conditioning and his strength.

"He's been fit since April but there's being 'fit' and being properly match fit.

Boukari has made just a handful of appearances since being signed for £2.5million in 2012.