Alex Smithies: Cardiff City sign Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Goalkeeper Alex Smithies joined Queens Park Rangers from Huddersfield in 2015

Cardiff City have signed goalkeeper Alex Smithies from Queens Park Rangers on a three-year contract, in a deal thought to be worth 拢3.5m.

The 28-year-old ex-England youth international will contest the Cardiff number one shirt with Neil Etheridge.

Smithies has made 108 appearances for the Hoops since joining from Huddersfield in 2015.

"He's a lad that knows he will have to fight for his place," Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said.

"Neil Etheridge had a fabulous season in 2017-18 and improved as time went on. It's great for us to have that healthy competition.

"Having watched Alex for a while, there is no doubting his pedigree."

Etheridge was Cardiff's keeper during the 2017-18 season, the Philippines international playing all bar one of their Championship fixtures as they finished runners-up to Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure their return to the Premier League.

Smithies joins fellow new signings Norwich winger Josh Murphy and Preston North End full-back Greg Cunningham at Cardiff City Stadium, while winger Junior Hoilett has signed a new deal to remain with the Bluebirds.

Cardiff are still discussing a new contract with Iceland midfielder Aron Gunnarsson.

The Bluebirds have also held talks with Liverpool about re-signing midfielder Marko Grujic on loan.