By Sean Wozencroft
July 30 2003

City have had talks with Celtic midfielder Colin Healy, reports the South Wales Echo. The 23-year old is available on a free transfer and Lennie Lawrence is very interested in bringing him to Ninian Park. Though he has had talks with City, securing his signature will not be easy with the likes of Everton, Leeds, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund also interested in the nine-times-capped Irish International. Everton held talks with Healy in January with their chief executive saying at the time: "It is still unclear whether he will arrive in the transfer window or wait until the end of the season."

Lennie Lawrence told the Echo: "We do have some interest in Colin Healy, but it has not gone anywhere yet.

"He has been released by Celtic and is sitting at home in Ireland. There is a chance he could come to Cardiff for a trial, but nothing has been sorted out yet."

Healy is an attacking midfield player who has two good feet and a crunching tackle. He spent 17 games on loan with Coventry last season, scoring twice.

Healy nearly made it into the Irish World Cup squad for 2002 after Roy Keane sensationally flew home prematurely, but World Cup officials ruled it was too late for him to link up with his countrymen in Japan.

Lawrence is looking to sign a midfielder after the Jody Morris saga. Healy appears to fit the bill, but a deal is still some way from completion. He was once hotly tipped to join Sunderland, but their interest has since diminished.

Healy was offered a new contract at Celtic but turned it down in search of regular first team football. More news as the story develops.