Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has revealed that his number one managerial target Russell Slade is already helping out as a consultant.

That will anger Slade’s former side Leyton Orient who are in dispute with the Championship club over his proposed move to the Bluebirds.

“We now have a little problem with Leyton Orient but that is being sorted out,” Tan said.

“He is helping us a little bit on consultancy until he can sort out his contract. Then we can officially hire him.”

Orient initially rejected an approach from Cardiff City for Slade, who had been their manager since 2010, but he admitted his frustration at not being permitted to talk to Cardiff following the O’s League Cup defeat to Sheffield United last week.

He then handed in his resignation and Orient put Kevin Nugent in charge for Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Rochdale in League One.

Tan’s lawyers are discussing a compensation deal with Leyton Orient and the Cardiff City owner has urged the fans to give the League One Manager of the Year a chance.

The Malaysian businessman told Sky Sports: “I think he will make a good manager for us.

“All I can say to the Cardiff fans is give him a chance, give him a break.”

Cardiff are in action on Tuesday against Brighton and Hove Albion with the Bluebirds 3.55 to come away from the south coast of England with a victory.

Brighton, who earned a creditable draw against high-flying Nottingham Forest on Saturday, are 1.99 to take all three points while the draw is available at 3.38.