After the incredible online burst of activity on Tuesday evening when Alan Shearer appeared to be the new manager before confirming he wasn't taking the job, Cardiff have today admitted a formal approach to Watford for Malky Mackay.
The Hornets though have rejected the approach.
Watford made the first move this morning with a statement.
" We can confirm that we have received an official approach from Cardiff City for the services of manager Malky Mackay," the statement said.
"The club has declined permission for the Bluebirds to talk with Mackay.
"We don't want Malky to leave Watford and we will do everything in our power to keep him at Vicarage Road,"
This prompted Cardiff to issue a comment of their own. The official website wrote:
Following an announcement from Watford FC, Cardiff City FC confirms that an official approach has been made for the services of manager Malky Mackay. No further comment will be made at this time.
Cardiff have made no comment on the Shearer charade and are thought to have spoken to several possible candidates about the managers job but it now looks like they've set their sights on Mackay.
I'm sure that Watford's initial rebuttal will be part of the early stages of posturing to come to a compensation settlement if a deal can be done.
Mackay is an up and coming manager who has impressed during his time with Watford including giving Cardiff a severe thumping last Christmas.