Ramsey has been tipped for a bright future

Cardiff City have denied trying to lure Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey back to Ninian Park on loan.

BBC Wales understands both Arsenal and Wales Under-21 star Ramsey rejected a short term loan bid to boost the Bluebird's injury-hit midfield.

But chairman Peter Ridsdale insisted: "No approach has been made."

Ramsey, 17, left Cardiff in the summer for �5m and has enjoyed a successful pre-season with the Gunners already featuring in the Champions League.

Cardiff are short on midfield options after losing Riccardo Scimeca for two months with ankle ligament damage.

The injury-prone veteran was stretchered off in last week's Carling Cup win over MK Dons after 45 minutes.

Scimeca joins Scotland international Gavin Rae in the treatment room who is out with a leg injury.

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Bluebirds boss Dave Jones targeted Russian midfielder Alexei Smertin on a season-long loan before the transfer window closed on Monday but the 33-year-old rejected a move to south Wales.

A secondary window opens for domestic emergency loan deals next week.

And Jones said: "I will be working with the chairman to bring a midfield player in on loan."

Ramsey made a total of 22 appearances for Cardiff, including a substitute appearance in last season's FA Cup Final against Portsmouth at Wembley Stadium.

Before choosing Arsenal, the Welsh prodigy spoke to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as the Premier League and European champions looked favourite to sign him.

They were Cardiff's preferred choice as they would have had a loan-back agreement.

But Ramsey chose north London and told BBC Wales last month: "It's a massive step up from the Championship level.

"I found it quite tough in the first week, but now I've settled in a bit."