Alexey Smertin

Russian midfielder Alexey Smertin is to leave Fulham after the club cancelled his contract by mutual consent.

Earlier on Monday the 33-year-old Smertin rejected the opportunity to join Cardiff on a season-long loan.

The FA Cup finalists initiated a work permit hearing but Smertin told Cardiff he did not want to join them.

Former Chelsea player Smertin joined Fulham in January 2007 from Dynamo Moscow, but he made less than 20 starts and will now leave Craven Cottage.

The Bluebirds are without experienced injured midfielders Gavin Rae and Riccy Scimeca and had wanted the former Russian skipper to bolster their midfield.