LEE Bullock will be re-registered as a York City player this week as Cardiff City continue to stall over a permanent contract for the ten-goal midfielder.

Stockton-born Bullock netted three times in four matches during a successful two-month loan stay at Ninian Park and the Welsh club's boss Lennie Lawrence is understood to be keen on a full-time transfer.

But Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam is believed to be using stalling tactics over any deal for Bullock with one possible reason avoiding paying the player's wages over the summer.

City must present details of their retained list to football's authorities this week and will state their desire to keep Bullock on the wage bill to avoid the 22-year-old midfielder leaving on a free transfer.

Cardiff agreed a fee with the Minstermen of £75,000 with another £75,000 due after future appearances but the deal is yet to be finalised five days after Bullock scored in the last game of the season - a 1-1 draw at Ipswich.

City's finance director Terry Doyle said: "As a board, we are very disappointed for Lee Bullock that Cardiff, as yet, have not took up their option to sign him. He has worked hard since moving there on loan and has been successful, showing that he's very capable of playing at that level.

"If Cardiff don't choose to sign Lee we are aware that other First Division clubs have already shown an interest."

City player-manager Chris Brass was talking to Bluebirds boss Lennie Lawrence today about Bullock's proposed switch to Ninian Park.

Bullock scored seven goals in 36 League games for City this season and went on to net on his Cardiff debut against Reading and has since added goals against Gillingham and Ipswich.

Updated: 10:17 Friday, May 14, 2004