City's sacked players could be reinstated in time for pre-season training on Monday if an ownership deal can be struck.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond's four-man consortium, favourites to take over the club, reached an agreement with the players' union over the 16 axed from the dressing room.

It could mean the majority of those players - who have not been paid since the end of April - will be back at Apperley Bridge to work with boss Nicky Law next week.

Some, though, are angry at being messed about and may decide to stay away until compensation is sorted out.

City may try to negotiate pay-off deals with the biggest earners, like £40,000-a-week Benito Carbone, who has stayed in Italy throughout the summer.

But it is unlikely they could demand a transfer fee. Under Football League rules, players become free agents if they have not been paid within a certain time.

David Wetherall, who is keen to return, said: "It's still in a state of confusion. But I understand we will all be reinstated and then it's up to the individual whether to negotiate a settlement.

"I'm trying to second guess but there may be cases where the new owners might try to settle contracts with certain players. It's a messy situation."

Second Division Cardiff have opened talks with Gareth Whalley, whose contract at City ran out at the end of last season. Lennie Lawrence confirmed he had spoken to the midfielder.

Andy Myers has dropped his wage demands to try to secure a move to Rotherham. Millers boss Ronnie Moore has made the defender his top target.

Wolves, meanwhile, City's opening day visitors, have played down speculation linking them with Ashley Ward.