Carden has been sharing playing and coaching responsibilities for two years

Cambridge United player-assistant manager Paul Carden is in talks over a loan move to Luton Town, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire understands.

The 31-year-old was made available for loan by the U's on Monday and will not play in Tuesday's visit of Darlington.

A switch to the Hatters would see the midfielder link up with former Cambridge boss Gary Brabin.

"There are a couple of clubs that are options for him," caretaker boss Jez George told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"And that's being discussed at the moment. Though nothing is likely to happen until the end of the week."

Carden assisted Brabin in the 2008/09 campaign, leading the club to the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final.

We decided that the best option was for Paul to go out on loan and then we'll reassess in the summer Cambridge caretaker boss Jez George

The midfielder has been a virtual ever-present for the U's this season, but missed the weekend's draw at Grimsby with a foot problem.

The former Accrington and Peterborough man has 18 months remaining on his current deal at the Abbey.

"We sat down at the end of last week and had a chat about the best way forward," George said.

"We decided that the best option was for Paul to go out on loan and then we'll reassess in the summer."

Carden first arrived at the U's on loan from Accrington in November 2007.

He then joined as player-assistant manager alongside Brabin in the summer of 2008, and has made 121 league appearances for the U's in total.

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