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.

Reports from Cardiff also suggest that former Wimbledon supremo Hammam might be questioning Bullock's value despite his impressive acclimatisation to First Division football.

Bullock has spent six years at Bootham Crescent and scored seven goals in 36 league appearance for Chris Brass' men this season before leaving for Wales in March

He scored on his debut for Cardiff against Reading and has since also hit the target against Gillingham and Ipswich.

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 play-off contenders 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 Lee Bullock. He has worked hard since moving their 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."

Brass and Lawrence were holding talks this morning about Bullock's future.

City's Conference neighbours Scarborough look set to lose their battle to keep winger Keith Gilroy.

Conference champions Chester had an initial offer for the 20-year-old rebuffed, but Seasiders' chairman Malcolm Reynolds believes a deal will be struck.

"They seem to be very keen on taking him and I'm sure a compromise on monies will be reached," said Reynolds.

Gilroy, who is expected to go for a five-figure fee, made a big impression at the McCain Stadium after signing from Middlesbrough in March, 2003.

Injuries limited his appearances this season but he caught the eye of Chester boss Mark Wright when he played against the title winners and the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is likely to hold talks at the Deva Stadium shortly.

If Gilroy is interested in the switch it will mean another gap in Boro's squad following Jimmy Kelly's switch to Morecambe and Mark Quayle's likely departure.

But Reynolds revealed that boss Russell Slade has targets in mind to replace Gilroy and insists that the Seasiders, who are ready to welcome back wideman David Pounder following a year-long injury-lay off, will be better equipped for a promotion challenge next season.

Updated: 14:00 Friday, May 14, 2004