Cardiff hit cash crisis

Cardiff City have slipped into financial trouble and may be forced to sell off prime playing assets Robert Earnshaw and Danny Gabbidon.

According to a source within the First Division club, Cardiff are £24million in debt. They are also understood to have been told to stop spending by their bankers, leading at least one director to question the cash management of owner Sam Hammam and chief executive David Temme.

Cash is so tight that bankers are believed to be blocking a £150,000 bid for York City midfielder Lee Bullock. Last month Cardiff failed to find the funds to turn Julian Gray's loan into a permanent move from Crystal Palace.

Wales stars Earnshaw and Gabbidon have been monitored by Premiership clubs this season, and Fulham boss Chris Coleman is a known admirer of Earnshaw.

Hammam has insisted that neither player will be sold.