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Alexey Smertin |
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CARDIFF City have moved to sign Russian international Alexey Smertin on loan from Fulham - and the deal must be completed by midnight.
Manager Dave Jones is in London today for a work permit hearing. If the Bluebirds are given the go-ahead Smertin will sign until the end of this season.
The experienced Smertin, 33, is a former Russia captain who has earned 55 international caps last appearing for his country in a European Championship qualifying game against Israel in October 2006..
The former Chelsea, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic central midfield player is keen to stay in British football.
He joined Fulham from Dynamo Moscow in January 2007, but has featured little since Roy Hodgson took over as boss.
He would be the second Fulham player to join Cardiff in 10 days, following the loan switch of American Eddie Johnson.
Today's work permit hearing is at the Home Office in London early this afternoon. Terms have already been agreed with Fulham manager Roy Hodgson and any deal would be completed quickly when the go-ahead is given.