Leeds are now interested in signing Alan Smith, who can leave Man Utd on loan.
Sir Alex Ferguson feels Alan Smith would benefit from a short-term loan spell at Cardiff City, although former club Leeds United are also interested.
The Championship leaders have asked Manchester United if they can take the striker to Ninian Park on a temporary basis.
Smith has made just four appearances for The Red Devils since returning to fitness after the horrific injury suffered in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool in February.
Ferguson believes the England international is in need of games to bring him up to full match fitness.
But the United boss revealed the 26-year-old is having doubts about whether moving to Cardiff would be the right decision.
"They phoned us yesterday morning and I thought about it," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.
"Due to the fact we are no longer in the League Cup, I thought a short-term loan would be ideal for him to get him games.
"I put it to him, and I don't think he's spoken to David Jones, but he has spoken to someone at Cardiff.
"I think he's uncertain about what to do, he's not sure whether to take it or not.
"It's an option to play games, that was merely the idea from our part. With us not being in the League Cup, it's a good opportunity to get games as he really needs football."
However, a return to Elland Road could appeal to Smith after Leeds boss Dennis Wise confirmed he would be interested in signing the player on loan.
