Cardiff City want to sign Manchester United striker Alan Smith on loan, the Championship leaders have confirmed.

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."

Former England international Smith returned to action in September, seven months after suffering a broken leg and dislocated ankle, although he has yet to feature in the Premier League this season.

Smith, whom United signed from Leeds United for seven million pounds in 2004, played in United's shock 1-0 defeat by Southend United in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Cardiff are trying to return to the top flight of English football for the first time since 1962 and lead the promotion race by a point.