Smithies completes move from QPR to Cardiff

Alex Smithies has completed his move from QPR to Cardiff City, signing a three-year contract with the Welsh club. 

Cardiff, managed by former R’s boss Neil Warnock, indicated soon after winning promotion to the Premier League last month that they were interested in signing the 28-year-old goalkeeper.

And a deal was agreed earlier this week, with Rangers banking an initial £3m for Smithies, who gets his chance in the top flight after impressing during a three-year spell in west London.

He has made 108 appearances for Rangers since being signed from Huddersfield Town in 2015.

Smithies has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs during the last couple of seasons, including Aston Villa prior to their relegation to the Championship.

But Cardiff’s is the only approach received for him during his time at Loftus Road and, with keeper Matt Ingram pushing for regular first-team football, QPR were prepared to let Smithies go. He had two years remaining on his contract.

Meanwhile, QPR are set to make an approach for Derby striker Chris Martin.