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Smith wanted by Leeds and Cardiff Smith rejects Championship loan
(4 days later)
Leeds have joined Cardiff in the chase to secure Manchester United striker Alan Smith on loan. Manchester United striker Alan Smith will snub all offers of a loan move and instead put himself through a punishing personal training regime.
United have already accepted an offer from Cardiff but Smith's former club have now expressed an interest. Championship clubs Cardiff and Leeds had hoped to entice Smith to join them as he attempts to regain match fitness.
"We have only just found out about his availability, but there's a possibility of a deal," said Leeds boss Wise. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said on Friday it would be a good idea for the 26-year-old to go out on loan.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed: "The fact we are no longer in the Carling Cup, I thought a short-term loan would be ideal." However, Smith has informed Ferguson he wishes to remain at Old Trafford and fight for a first-team place.
Smith, 26, joined United for £7m after Leeds were relegated from the Premiership in 2004 but he suffered a broken leg in February and has not played regularly since returning. Ferguson believes Smith needs first-team football to get fully match fit and was happy for Smith to go out to either Leeds or Cardiff to get it.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I think he has spoken to someone at Cardiff but he is not certain about whether to take it or not. "He really needs football and reserve-team football is really for the youth team and doesn't present the right challenge for an experienced player like Alan," Ferguson had said.
"He really needs football and reserve team football is really for the youth team and doesn't present the right challenge for an experienced player like Alan. Despite healing speedily from the horrific leg break he suffered during last season's FA Cup defeat at Liverpool, Smith has not yet recovered fully.
606: DEBATE class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A17218758">Why do we want to let Smudge go out on loan when our striking options are limited? Mike class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/606/default.stm">606: Have your say The striker looked exceptionally tired at the end of extra time when United squeezed through in the Carling Cup against Crewe last month.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injured, United are already short of cover for Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha, Ferguson admitted: "There is a bit of risk about sending him out but in the present situation he needs games quickly." Smith - a £7m buy after Leeds were relegated from the Premiership in 2004 - then only lasted an hour when United were sent tumbling out of the competition by Southend.
Cardiff's move, confirmed by the club earlier on Friday, is thought to have been instigated by chairman Peter Ridsdale, formerly Smith's chairman at Leeds. The former Leeds man will now embark on a specially constructed fitness programme, devised by United's coaching staff, which he believes will be enough to push him back to the standard required.
However, the Bluebirds' move seems to have alerted Leeds to Smith's availability. Smith's decision will disappoint Championship leaders Cardiff, who still need cover for the injured Steve Thompson.
"It would be a boost for the team and also for the fans of the club," said Wise. New Leeds boss Dennis Wise was also keen to take Smith back to his former Elland Road home.
"He has done it at all levels, but I'm sure there will be 20 other clubs also interested in him. We'll have to wait and see."