Dennis Wise is hoping to head off Cardiff's bid to sign Alan Smith on loan and take the Manchester United striker back to Leeds.

Wise had been alerted to Smith's availability after Championship leaders Cardiff were granted permission to approach the 26-year-old by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We have only just found out about his availability, but there is a possibility of a deal," Wise said. "It would be a boost for the team and also for the fans of the club.

"He has done it at all levels, but I'm sure there will be 20 other clubs also interested in him. We'll have to wait and see," Wise told Sky Sports News.

Cardiff are currently waiting for Smith's reply following their own approach. A spokesman for the Welsh club said: "We have made an inquiry to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has granted the loan. It is now down to the player."

Smith has struggled to break into Ferguson's first-team plans since returning to action in August after recovering from a broken ankle suffered 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 and regain his place in the England squad.

Ferguson had said he feels a loan move to Cardiff would benefit Smith.

He said: "They phoned us on Friday morning and I thought about it. 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."

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injured, Smith leaving would leave United with just two recognised strikers in their senior squad, a situation Ferguson admits would be "a bit of a risk."

When asked about the impact such a move would have on United's attacking options, the boss responded: "There is a bit of a risk. But in the present situation, he needs to get through competitive matches."