TWTD has learnt that Gary Croft is in discussions regarding a move to Cardiff City on a free transfer. Croft, who has pulled out of tonight's Saffron Walden friendly, spent a loan spell with the Bluebirds last season where he impressed despite their failure to win promotion.

The 28-year-old full-back has had a turbulent spell at Portman Road since joining for £540,000 from Blackburn in September 1999. After scoring on his debut against Manchester City he swiftly found himself in prison for a series of driving offences.

After being released the former Grimsby man became the first league player to appear in a game wearing an electronic tag.

By the end of that season he had established himself in the side ahead of Fabian Wilnis and started the play-off final at Wembley.

However, once Town were in the Premiership a mixture of poor form and injuries restricted him to just a handful of appearances, none at all for Town last season.

Loan spells at Wigan and Cardiff last year saw him impress, but when Cardiff failed to make the First Division through the play-offs, a permanent deal no longer appeared a possibility.

Earlier this summer Croft indicated that he'd be like to move on in order to play first team football. George Burley said that if an offer to take Croft came in then he'd consider it. The Burton-on-Trent born player's contract is up at the end of the season.

Croft started just 26 games in nearly three years at Portman Road, plus another 11 as sub. His debut goal against Manchester City remains as his only one for Town.

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