Soccer:Reports suggesting Craig Bellamy has been granted permission to train with Cardiff are premature at best. Speculation has mounted this morning that the Manchester City striker is edging closer to a switch to his hometown club.
It was also reported that Roberto Mancini giving had given the all clear for him to link up with the Championship outfit at their Vale of Glamorgan training ground.
But that is not believed to be the case, with the Bluebirds squad not even taking part in training today, while there have been no new developments since Cardiff issued a statement last night.
A spokesman for the south Wales club yesterday evening said: “With the number and the names of the clubs being mentioned in connection to Craig it is flattering that we are an option, but at this stage it is pure speculation.
“Being connected to a player of this calibre shows how far we have come, to be even considered in a deal like this. We would love it to happen of course, but we are by no means alone in this.”
Tottenham are also believed to be interested in his services although whether Manchester City would sell to a rival for Champions League football remains highly unlikely.
Celtic, Fulham and indeed Cardiff, among other interested parties, remain more viable alternatives for Bellamy, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Eastlands.