Craig Bellamy in talks to become Oxford United manager

Craig Bellamy, a gritty, pacey forward in his playing days, could take his first steps in professional management in a city more famed for its prestigious university than its football team.

Cardiff City has granted its player development manager permission to discuss the vacancy at Oxford United, the outfit currently languishing five points above the third tier's relegation zone.

"We want to facilitate Craig's opportunities to get experience," Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo revealed to BBC Sport Wales.

"This could be a good move for his career."

Bellamy's reputation in coaching has grown rapidly while working within Cardiff's academy, and he was apparently under consideration for the Wales job after a "Hollywood interview" in front of the chief executive of the county's football body, Jonathan Ford, and his panel. Ryan Giggs eventually beat Bellamy to the role.

The position at Oxford United has been unmanned since Pep Clotet was sacked last month. The Spaniard's two gigs prior to taking the job at the Kassam Stadium were as assistant manager at Swansea City and Leeds United.