Former Norwich City head coach Dean Smith is under consideration by Cardiff to become their next manager. 

The Bluebirds are on the hunt for a new boss after parting company with Mark Hudson earlier this month. 

Smith is understood to be one of the names on the Championship club's shortlist, with Wales Online also reporting that ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi and former West Brom boss Valerien Ismael are also options for the role. 

It is unknown whether Smith would be open to returning to work so soon after his departure from Norwich, with Cardiff also exploring other avenues as they ramp up their search for Hudson's successor.

The 51-year-old was sacked as Norwich's boss following a major slump in form, underpar performances and fan discontent grew. That convinced City's decision-makers to replace Smith with David Wagner, who has won his opening two Championship matches in charge against Preston and Coventry.

Assistant Craig Shakespeare and first-team coach Liam Bramley also departed Norwich alongside Smith following the 2-1 defeat to Luton on Boxing Day.

Since his departure from Carrow Road, Smith has spent time in America visiting his son Jamie, who is a professional footballer for Greenville Triumph in the USL League One.

He has subsequently returned to the UK and was spent Sunday watching Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Wolves alongside Craig Shakespeare after being invited into a hospitality box by his former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish. 

Whether Smith would welcome a quick return to the game or would be enticed by Cardiff's project after his Norwich sacking remains to be seen. 

Cardiff are hoping to have their new manager in the dug-out for next Tuesday's game against Luton Town. 

The Bluebirds sit 21st in the Championship table and are battling relegation. Both Hudson and former Norwich striker Steve Morison have been dismissed already this season. 

The Pink Un: Dean Smith is a leading contender for the Cardiff City managerial role.Dean Smith is a leading contender for the Cardiff City managerial role. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Limited)

Only Neil Warnock and Sam Allardyce have shorter odds for the job than Smith with many leading bookmakers, although the veteran managers have distanced themselves from the role. 

Norwich welcome Cardiff to Carrow Road next month as they continue their push for the playoffs under Wagner's stewardship.