Aston Villa are among those clubs keeping a close eye on Lazio defender Luis Cavanda, according to his agent.
Paul Lambert is looking to add depth to his squad during the January transfer window, and plugging holes at the back is a priority.
Cavanda is considered to be a potential target, with the Belgium U21 international having impressed in Serie A.
He is still only 21 years of age, but Villa are planning for the future and have pieced together a youthful squad brimming with potential.
They would face competition for Cavanda's signature were Lazio to agree to a sale, with a number of other sides having also expressed an interest in a player who is under contract until 2014.
Cavanda's representative Ulisse Savini said: "I'll meet Lazio to talk about Cavanda next week. We want to plan his future.
"There are no official offers for him right now, but it is pleasing to know that he is liked.
"There are a lot of clubs who have put the spotlight on him. Aston Villa, for example, are following him with interest."
Hughes had his contract at Notts County terminated by mutual consent on Monday afternoon, making him a free agent.
The 36-year-old almost joined Vale in November but his protracted move to the npower League Two club did not go through before the deadline for loan deals.
Hughes is set to have a medical at Vale on Tuesday ahead of completing a move to Vale Park.
A statement on the Valiants' official website said: "Port Vale can confirm that the club is in discussions to sign striker Lee Hughes.
"The forward will have a medical tomorrow, with a view to joining Micky Adams' squad."
