SMITH SAYS NO

Last updated : 12 November 2006 By Ed

The Guardian:

Alan Smith has rejected the chance to join Cardiff City on loan and made it clear to Sir Alex Ferguson that he wants to remain at Manchester United after recovering from a broken leg.

Leeds United were also keen to sign their former player on loan with Ferguson wanting him to improve his fitness by playing regular first-team football elsewhere. Ferguson was concerned by Smith's ineffectual display in the shock defeat at Southend on Wednesday and he spoke yesterday about the player's "need for games."

Ed. the NOTW say today that Everton will put in a loan bid for him.