City boss Glenn Roeder has pledged to keep a close eye on Manchester City's plans for striker Ched Evans.But he may have to contend with Cardiff City for the services of the Wales international if he is allowed another spell in the Championship.

City boss Glenn Roeder has pledged to keep a close eye on Manchester City's plans for striker Ched Evans.

But he may have to contend with Cardiff City for the services of the Wales international if he is allowed another spell in the Championship.

The 19-year-old Evans scored 10 goals - many of them vital ones - during his loan spell last season to help the Canaries stave off relegation to League One.

He has since signed a three-year deal at the City of Manchester Stadium, but with Mark Hughes replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager, it is not clear where Evans figures in his plans.

Roeder would probably jump at the chance to bring him back to Carrow Road.

Said Roeder: “I wouldn't think signing a new deal will make any difference to what Ched does this year, whether it's at Manchester City or at another club.

“He's still very young but he left here much more mature, much nearer being a man than when he arrived and now it's up to Mark Hughes to decide what his future holds in this coming season - whether he decides to keep him, loan him out or whether he decides to sell him on. We will obviously be keeping an eye on the situation - and that's all I'm prepared to say.”

Cardiff boss Dave Jones is believed to have designs on making Evans a Bluebirds player next season.

Having already made an offer to keep veteran striker Robbie Fowler at Ninian Park, Jones is hoping to bring in two of his three strike targets over the coming weeks.

And sources in Wales believe Hughes is prepared to deal with Cardiff in the first instance, should he decide Evans' football education should continue away from Eastlands for a second successive season.

“We are making significant progress in talks with clubs and the players we want,” said Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale. “Everything possible is being done to bring the players Dave Jones wants to Cardiff City.”

Evans will be hoping to make an impact in the Premier League next season, similar to that he made on the international scene for Wales this summer when he scored on his full debut against Iceland.

Hughes is not expected to let the striker leave in a permanent transfer, but is believed to favour allowing Evans to play first team football in Wales, rather than further afield.

Up to 10 clubs have been mentioned who would be interested in offering the striker first team football.