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The future of Malky Mackay looks bleak amid reports that he has been given an ultimatum of 'resign or be sacked'.
That ultimatum has come from owner Vincent Tan, who is understood to have a number of grievances with his leadership. Among them is a belief that the newly promoted side should be among the top four sides in the Premier League.
Mackay missed today's press conference to preview their match against Liverpool this weekend and it would seem it is only a matter of time before he leaves his post.
That will mean Cardiff will be seeking a replacement.
According to the BBC, chairman Mehmet Dalman has a preferred candidate who is a household name currently employed by a British club. A number of other candidates have already quickly emerged.
Here, we take a look at the possible candidates...
Show all 11 1 /11Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer The current manager of Molde, who is better known to English football fans from his 'super-sub' spell at Manchester United, tends to be linked with just about every vacancy that comes up in the Premier League. Could the Cardiff job be the one that sees him return to the Premier League? GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Yilmaz Vural Among the favourites with bookmakers is Vural, who has managed more than 20 clubs in his native Turkey. Something of a left-field choice, who for all his experience in Turkey, has never managed the 'big three' in his homeland of Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Robert Jarni Another leading candidate with bookmakers is Jarni, who is the current manager of FK Sarajevo in Bosnia. During his playing career he represented Juventus and Real Madrid, and has had a spell as manager of Hajduk Split. He's pictured here playing for Croatia at the 2002 World Cup. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Roberto Di Matteo The former West Brom manager has been out of work since he was dismissed by Chelsea, despite leading them to Champions League glory in 2012. The Italian might prefer to wait for a more stable club with no shortage of offers likely to come his way as and when they come up. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Gianfranco Zola The Italian only left Watford earlier this month, but could make a swift return (and jump up a division) with a move to Cardiff. Question marks over his ability remain after a forgettable spell in charge of West Ham and despite taking the Hornets to the Championship play-off final last season. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Dave Jones Former Cardiff manager Jones has been linked with the vacancy, as well as a possible role as director of football at the club. Jones was replaced by Malkay in 2011. The Independent's sources have dismissed a return as unlikely. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Sven Goran Eriksson Eriksson has never been shy of taking on unexpected jobs since he departed as manager of England. Since then, he has managed Mexico and Ivory Coast and had roles at Notts County, BEC Tero and Al Nasr. Now he's the manager of Chinese Super League club Guangzhou R&F. GETTY IMAGES
EPA
Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Craig Bellamy Still playing at Cardiff, at least Bellamy would be favoured by the fans. However, the former Wales international has no managerial experience. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Neil Lennon Celtic manager Lennon has often been linked with a move south of the border, and the BBC report of a 'household name working in British football' has quickly led to speculation that it could be him. With his side already out of the Champions League this season, it could be an ideal time to move. GETTY IMAGES
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Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Andre Villas-Boas It would seem incredibly unlikely that the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager would take up a role so soon after being dismissed from his job at White Hart Lane. But if he wanted a swift return, it couldn't come quicker than this. GETTY IMAGES
AP
Who could replace Malky Mackay as manager of Cardiff City? Alisher Apsalyamov When head of recruitment Iain Moody was dismissed, he was quickly replaced by an unknown 23-year-old who was formerly on work experience. Apsalyamov, who is from Kazakhstan, is a friend of Vincent Tan's son. Could he rise even further up the ladder at Cardiff? It's certainly strange times at the club. GETTY IMAGES
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