Watford allow Cardiff to talk to manager Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay replaced Brendan Rodgers as Watford boss in June 2009

Cardiff City have been given permission to speak to Watford boss Malky Mackay about their managerial vacancy.

The 39-year-old expressed his desire to speak to the Bluebirds and Mackay is now in discussions with the Welsh club.

"We have reluctantly agreed to allow Malky to speak to Cardiff City," said Watford chairman Graham Taylor.

"The owner spoke with the board members and following Malky's request to speak to Cardiff, we have granted him permission."

It is understood the Championship clubs are now in discussion over a compensation package for the former Scottish international.

A Cardiff statement confirmed: "Cardiff can confirm talks are under way with Malky Mackay to become our new manager.

"The talks began after permission was granted by Watford following our approach."

Cardiff have been searching for a new manager since ending Dave Jones' six-year reign on 30 May.

The Bluebirds had an official approach for Norwich and Celtic defender Mackay rejected by the Hornets on Wednesday.

In rejecting Cardiff's move, Hornets owner Laurence Bassini said he still had to consult the board.

"I rejected the approach and hope our fans understand that I now need to consult [chairman] Graham Taylor and the board of directors," he said.

Former Newcastle boss Alan Shearer revealed on Wednesday that he had held "unsuccessful" talks with Watford's Championship rivals Cardiff.

While Bassini was quick to reject Cardiff's initial approach, the further discussions held by the Watford hierarchy suggested the matter was not closed.

"The need to discuss this matter with members of the board is paramount," Bassini added.

"We don't want Malky to leave Watford and we will do everything in our power to keep him at Vicarage Road.

"We should remember that Malky committed his future to Watford as recently as March, when he signed a new three-year contract."

Former Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton, ex-West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo, St Johnstone's Derek McInnes and ex-Barnsley boss Mark Robins have all been linked with the vacant Cardiff job.

Chief executive Gethin Jenkins and director Alan Whiteley have led Cardiff's search, while chairman Dato Chan Tien Ghee has arrived from Malaysia to complete the deal for Jones' replacement.

Watford chairman Graham Taylor has previously admitted that "Malky is linked with virtually every job that comes up" and the Hornets are well aware the former Scotland defender is in demand.

Mackay replaced Brendan Rodgers in the Vicarage Road hotseat in June 2009 after the current Swansea boss departed to Reading.

In his first managerial job Mackay has earned a reputation for playing competitive and attractive football on a modest budget.

The 39-year-old guided the Hornets to 14th in last season's Championship.

With less than two months to go until the start of the new Championship season - and fixtures announced on Friday, 17 June - Cardiff have recognised the need to appoint a new manager as quickly as possible and have moved for the man they want, much to Watford's chagrin.

Cardiff's new manager will face a hefty rebuilding process at the club, with 12 players having left including last season's top scorer Jay Bothroyd and fellow striker Michael Chopra.