By Chris O'Brien
July 5 2004

Cardiff City are rumoured to be interested in Manchester United midfielder Michael Stewart. The Scotsman, currently on trial at Glasgow Rangers, is out-of-favour at Old Trafford and would be allowed to leave on a free transfer despite having 2-years to run on his contract.

Cardiff City and a host of other First Division clubs are thought to be chasing Manchester United midfielder Michael Stewart before the start of the season in August. The Scotsman is currently on trial at Glasgow Rangers, but should that fall through Lennie Lawrence is expected to offer Stewart a deal to come to Ninian Park.

Stewart joined Rangers last week to train with the rest of the squad over pre-season, where Alex McCleish and the other Bears coaching staff will assess Stewart and decide whether they think he is good enough to make the move north of the border. The 23-year-old will hope to secure a deal in his homeland with Champions League-bound Rangers but should this fail and he is sent back to Lancashire, a bidding war is set to commence between a handful of First Division clubs.

Stewart still has two seasons to run on his contract at Old Trafford, but he is almost certain to leave after failing to have a first-team impact in recent seasons. Sir Alex Ferguson will have no qualms about allowing the player to leave on a free transfer. Having made only a handful of appearances in his Red Devils career, Stewart spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but faltered at the City Ground despite a positive start to the spell.

"There is a bit of interest in Michael from down south but he knows this is a big chance for him." said Stewart's agent when questioned about the future of his player.

"Having said that, he has two years on a contract at Manchester United so there is still some negotiating to be done on that side of things."

With Robert Page and Tony Warner having followed Lee Bullock through the Ninian Park doors recently, there is a lot more for Bluebirds supported to get excited about than last week. There is no comment from the club as of yet to back up Stewart speculation, but the rumours indicate that more signings could be on the way and that City are looking to strengthen for next season despite crippling debts.

City are not the only club rumoured to be showing interest. First Division rivals West Ham United are also thought to be monitoring the situation closely as Alan Pardew looks to strengthen his squad as his London side attempt another promotion chase next term. The Hammers were tipped to life the league title last season, but disappointed despite qualifying for the play-offs where they were beaten by rivals Crystal Palace in a memorable Millennium Stadium final.