Colchester United centre-half David Greene has emerged as a shock transfer target for Cardiff City.

The U's player has stalled on a new two-and-a-half-year deal at Layer Road and will be free to leave under the Bosman ruling at the end of the season.

Cardiff have made a firm inquiry for the former Eire Under 21 international but the move hinges on whether Manchester City defender Tony Vaughan agrees to a move to Ninian Park.

Bluebirds chief Frank Burrows has made a £200,000 bid for Vaughan but he is thought to be unwilling to take a drop in his £4,000 a week wages to sign for a Second Division club for whom he has played on loan this season.

U's boss Steve Whitton was in crunch talks with chairman Peter Heard on Tuesday night and they have agreed to let the 26-year-old - who played in the win over Wycombe - leave if the price is right.

Whitton revealed: "Cardiff have made an approach but they have yet to make an offer for Greene. The player has been informed of their interest but it can't be taken any further until Cardiff decide whether to follow up with a firm offer.

"The problem for us is he will be allowed to leave in the summer on a Bosman free transfer so we have to try and look after ourselves and plan for the future.

"We paid around £35,000 for him and we want to see some of that money back, but as we approach the summer his value on the transfer market will be going down all the time.

"I don't want to lose him but if he doesn't sign the offer on the table then that is what will happen."

Greene, who is adamant he will not sign a new contract unless the U's improve their offer, is willing to speak to Cardiff.

He said on Wednesday: "I have been informed of Cardiff's interest and, if they make an acceptable offer to Colchester, then I will travel down for talks.

"I have said all along I don't want to leave the club because I enjoy playing here, but I don't think the contract I have been offered is good enough.

"I want to resolve my dispute with Colchester and sign a new deal but I also have to come to terms with the fact I may have to leave Layer Road. Nothing's been decided and, until a club comes in with an offer which is accepted by Colchester, then things will be delicately balanced."

An open meeting for U's fans will be held in the Boardroom at Colchester Institute, in Sheepen Road, on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

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