Cardiff want Alan Smith on loan

Manchester United have accepted an offer from Cardiff City to take former Leeds striker Alan Smith on loan. The England International suffered a horrific injury last season when he simultaneously broke his leg and dislocated his ankle while blocking a John Arne Riise free kick which has kept Smith out for 6 months. He has returned to full training but has been unable to force his way above Louis Saha and into the first team although did play as Man Utd were beaten by Southend in the Carling Cup.

Smith is a powerful and aggresssive striker who is not known for his goalscoring record but his direct play and aggression. He scored 11 goals for Man Uts in 72 appearances although many of these were playing in midfield and has played 16 times for his country, scoring 1 goal.

Smith has been targetted via his close links to Leeds Utd and therefore Peter Ridsdale but whilst Manchester United have agreed the deal, the player has not agreed to a loan move to the Championship. It would be a useful excercise for Smith to regain match fitness and would aid Cardiff City whilst regular frontman Steve Thompson is out of action.

In no way would Cardiff be able to pay Alan Smith’s wages for the loan duration but Manchester United are thought to be happy to pay virtually all of the sum to get Alan match practise.

The 26 year old is already to to Cardiff City fans for a cynical elbow on Cardiff’s Andy Legg during the 2-1 FA Cup win over Leeds in the 2001-02 season.