Ex-Everton midfielder Cahill, who netted seven times in 14 appearances against Sunderland, has emerged as a short-term fix.
Cahill moved across the Atlantic to New York Red Bulls during the summer and would only be available for a couple of months over the MLS close season.
But with Lee Cattermole sidelined until February and Phil Bardsley’s lack of match fitness, Cahill would provide some midfield support.