Palace's Julian Gray has impressed during his time at Cardiff

Gray's club Crystal Palace insist that if the Bluebirds want the 24-year-old they must pay a �500,000 permanent transfer fee now.

Cardiff believe that is too much for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season, but they have not ruled out making a move for him early next year.

"We won't be pressurised into anything," said Bluebirds manager Lennie Lawrence.

"They wanted to do something permanent, but I wasn't prepared to do it at the terms that were quoted.

"I'd like to have loaned him for a third month, but they weren't having any of that and that's their privilege - he's their player.

"That's unfortunate because Julian was quite happy here, but we may pick it up, it's not dead totally."

Gray himself would be keen to make the switch to the Welsh capital.

"I've enjoyed my time with Cardiff and I'm disappointed to be going," said Gray.

"I hope they don't forget me as I would be interested in coming back."