Smertin pulls out of Cardiff deal

Smertin: Now a free agent

Cardiff City have expressed their disappointment after failing to sign Russian midfielder Alexei Smertin.

The Championship club had agreed a deal with Fulham to take Smertin to Ninian Park on a season-long loan.

Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale and manager Dave Jones travelled to London for a work permit hearing on Monday before Smertin backed out of the deal.

Smertin then saw his contract cancelled by Fulham, with Ridsdale admitting Cardiff will move on to other targets.

Quality options

"Everything was agreed with Fulham, but the player decided he did not want to leave," said Ridsdale in the South Wales Echo.

"That was disappointing, but we move on to the next stage and there are good quality options.

"We will still be bringing in the midfield player we need."

Ridsdale confirmed Cardiff will now look to bring in a new midfielder on loan when the window reopens next week.

He added: "We have four or five other high quality targets and now have a week to move.

"The two-week international break gives us the time we need."