SMITH OFFERED CARDIFF STINT

Cardiff have reached a deal with Manchester United to take Alan Smith on loan for the remainder of the season - but Smith, who has played just four times since returning from a horrific broken leg and fractured ankle injury suffered against Liverpool in February, remains keen to stay at Old Trafford.

“Sir Alex Ferguson has granted the loan,” admitted a Cardiff spokesman. “It is now down to the player.”

That's where the stumbling block lies. Cardiff, who top the Championship, need cover as their first-choice striker Steve Thompson is out for next three weeks with an Achilles injury. But Smith wants to fight for his place.

Smith's agent Alex Black insisted: “Alan is not looking to go anywhere. His priority is to get fit and try and win his place in the United side.”

Ferguson confirmed:

“The fact we are no longer in the Carling Cup, I thought a short term loan would be ideal for him.

“I think he has spoken to someone at Cardiff but he is not certain about whether to take it or not.

“It is a good opportunity for Alan to get some games in - he really needs football quickly.

“There is a bit of risk about sending him out. But in the present situation, he needs to get through competitive matches and he is still a bit short for us in that.

“But he is improving and it's only through games that he's going to get it back.”