The former City boss, who is now in charge at cash rich Queens Park Rangers, is after a midfielder and Tabb, according to reports, appears to the sort of player that Dowie wants in his team.
City are expected to reject any bid for the former Brentford man, whose contract expires in June next year, knowing that losing last season's unanimous Player of the Year would be a big blow.
Jay Tabb receiving the South Wales Supporters Club Player Of The Year Award back in April.
Meanwhile, Iain Dowie can expect a £1m pay out if he were to get Queens Park Rangers promoted this season but he will have to stand down and let someone else manage the team in the Premier League as part of the deal he agreed with Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.