Smertin is a former captain of the Russia national side

Russian midfielder Alexei Smertin has rejected Cardiff City's move to sign him on a season-long loan.

The FA Cup finalists initiated a work permit hearing but the Fulham star has told Cardiff he does not want to move to the Championship club.

Boss Dave Jones wanted the 33-year-old to solve his midfield crisis.

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

606: DEBATE Is losing out on Smertin a big blow for Cardiff?

Smertin has not been a regular for Fulham since Roy Hodgson took over as manager but the experienced player does not want to swap Craven Cottage for Cardiff

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale, meanwhile, dismissed rumours that former England striker Robbie Fowler might return to Ninian Park.

Fowler left Cardiff in the summer after an injury-ravaged season, turning down a pay-as-you-play offer in favour of a possible contract with Blackburn Rovers.

But Fowler is unhappy with the week-by-week contract on the table at Ewood Park and remains a free agent.

Cardiff turned down fresh bids of �5m for midfielder Joe Ledley and �4m for defender Roger Johnson last week.

Ridsdale reiterated that the crown jewels in manager Dave Jones' squad were staying put for the time being, but said that there could be a player sold before Monday.

"There may well be some activity in the next 24 hours or so, but none of our big names are going anywhere," Ridsdale added.

"If there are any transfers out, and there might be the possibility of one, it wouldn't be somebody that Dave says he sees as his first-choice playing squad."