Malky Mackay in Cardiff talks

CARDIFF City opened talks with Malky Mackay over their vacant manager's position yesterday after Watford "reluctantly" gave the Welsh club permission to make an approach.

The Championship club, who parted company with Dave Jones last month after losing out on promotion to the Premier League in the play-offs, tried to lure Alan Shearer, but quickly turned to Hornets manager Mackay. A statement on Cardiff's website read: "Talks are under way with Malky Mackay to become our new manager. The talks began after permission was granted by Watford following our approach."

Ex-Celtic, Norwich and West Ham defender Mackay, 39, has been in charge at Vicarage Road for two seasons.