Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale admits he attempted to beat Stoke City for Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi last month.

He told the News of the World: "We tried to sign Shola Ameobi on loan from Newcastle last month and were quoted a £500,000 loan fee. We can't afford to buy a player for that money, never mind borrow one.

250peterkenyonviduka"But Stoke stepped in and paid up. They laid out £500,000 to have a player for six games.

"We're in the same division as Stoke, but we're not in the same league."