Cardiff wait on Smith loan decision

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has granted Cardiff permission to bring Alan Smith to Ninian Park on loan.

The Bluebirds, who top the Coca-Cola Championship table, must now wait to see if the forward agrees to make the step down a division.

Smith has struggled to break into Ferguson’s first-team plans since returning to action in August after recovering from a broken ankle in February’s FA Cup defeat by Liverpool.

The former Leeds forward has made just four appearances for United this season and could increase his chances of regular first-team action as he looks to regain peak fitness.

A spokesman for City said: “We have made an inquiry to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has granted the loan. It is now down to the player.”