JOE Mason will remain on the Wanderers radar despite being forced into a bizarre U-turn in his move from Cardiff City.

Just a few hours after a three-month loan deal was announced between the two clubs on Monday evening, Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay reversed his decision due to injuries in his squad and called his striker back to South Wales.

Mason had trained with Wanderers on Monday and reported at Euxton ready to do the same the next day only to be sent packing.

Although Cardiff’s decision has no doubt caused some consternation in the Whites camp, it is understood both Dougie Freedman and Mackay remain on excellent terms and that the deal could still be revived, possibly even as early as next week.

Explaining the reason for his change of heart, Mackay said: “Rudy Gestede and Peter Odemwingie both took wee knocks and our thought was that we had to be sure both are okay.

“Neither is serious, but I felt it was right to bring Joe back. Hopefully, though, the loan move could be completed in a week or so. It’s simply a case of being certain exactly how Rudy and Peter are.

“I talked to Dougie (Freedman) and apologised to him. He understands that we have a couple of minor injuries and just want those checked out.

“We are hopeful something will be done about the loan next week.”

Gestede has a knee injury, while Odemwingie has a tightness in a leg and will be assessed again next week.

“We’ll see how Peter is over the international break and then make our decision,” said Mackay, who also made it clear he believes Mason has a big future with Cardiff.

“Joe was only going out with a view to playing matches,” said Mackay.

It does leave Freedman – who had also been close to signing the 22-year-old in the summer – facing a search for a striker to boost his ranks before the close of the emergency loan window on November 28.

The Whites boss has rejected rumours linking him with Gestede and has also been mentioned as a possible suitor for Leeds United’s Luke Varney.

The Scot is anxious to bring in reinforcements to his in-form side before the busy festive spell and is also on the lookout for a left-back as cover for the injured Marc Tierney.