Cardiff to sign Man Utd England international

Crocker

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, who has struggled to break into Ferguson's first-team plans since his £7m move from Leeds in 2004, wants to fight for his place.

The Phantom

It'd be great for City if he did come down for a few months. Chopra and Smith would be an awesome Championship strike duo. I think it helps that Ridsdale is chairman, and he knows the player well, so I think it'll be an easyer decision than it could have been.

There's no doubt that Smith needs games, but it would leave United a little short up front with Rooney, Saha, Solskjaer (who frequently gets injured) as the only recognised strikers. So it remains to be seen if he'll make the move.

Crocker

I can see Fergie signing a striker in Jnuary, he still hasnt replaced Van Nistelrooy, I would say Freddie Eastwood, but I think he would rather stay at Southend

The Phantom

Ha ha... I don't think Fergie would go for Eastwood... especially after his comment that "the kid will never score a goal like that in his life again." Cardiff were linked with an offer for Eastwood a few weeks ago and they were told he's not for sale.

Problem with getting a striker in January is that all the top ones have been cup tied in European competition so it's that little harder to find a striker of good quality.

Tyler Durden

He's gone there now hasn't he.

Great move by Cardiff and for Smith to get match fit

The Phantom

Leeds have reportedly joined the race now. I don't think he should go back there. It's time to move on.

Tyler Durden

Oh, I thought I'd heard he'd already gone to Cardiff. My bad!!

dope2

he is going no where

Thx Ryno for banner ^

The Phantom

Yeah.. we did discuss this bit, seems the posts got lost in the merge. (s was predicted)