Smith rejects Cardiff Move

The ambitious loan move for Alan Smith instigated by Cardiff supremo Peter Ridsdale is over after the player rejected the move and decided to stay in Manchester and right for his place.

The England International had recently recovered from a broken leg and is severely lacking in match practice. Manchester United's suprise early exit in the Carling Cup further decreased Smith's playing options and both Cardiff City and Leeds United expressed an interest in taking the player on loan.

Reds manager Sir Alex Ferguson accepted both offers in principal and encouraged Smith to get some first team minutes so as to push for a place in Man Utd's squad but Smith has now rejected these offers and despite another offer from Premiership Everton, looks set to remain at Old Trafford. Smith has taken on a new and specific training regime to prepare himself and force his way back into the Old Trafford clubs line-up from within.

Smith would have been a huge asset at Championship level and a fantastic replacement whilst Steve Thompson recovers from an Achilles injury but it was not to be and Dave Jones may look for other loan options or opt to stick with veteran Kevin Campbell to lead the Cardiff line.

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