"Alan Mahon is joining us for three months and will link up with us at the team hotel before Tuesday's second division match at Port Vale," Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence told the club's official website.
"But, if we sign the paperwork on Tuesday he will be unavailable for the last two games of the season against Wigan and Crewe.
"So we may leave the actual signing until later in the week so that he becomes available for the Wigan game. This will also give the lad the chance to meet and train with his new colleagues."