LAST UPDATE | 13 Jun 2018
IRELAND DEFENDER GREG Cunningham is set for Premier League football after signing for Cardiff City on a permanent transfer.
The 27-year-old joins from Preston North End on an undisclosed fee until summer 2021 — although it has been reported to be in the region of £4 million.
The Bluebirds failed in a bid to sign the Galway native back in August, when their £2 million offer was turned down, but interest has since been renewed as it looks like the two clubs have struck a deal.
With a year to go on his contract at Preston, it’s thought that Cunningham was keen to move on once the possibility of Premier League football arose after an eight-year hiatus.
The four-time capped international had spells at Manchester City, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City before signing at Deepdale in 2015 and making over 100 appearances since then.
He’s had a frustrating few months plagued by injury, with a hamstring problem forcing him to withdraw from the Ireland squad to face Turkey in March.
#CardiffCity are delighted to announce the signing of @Cunningham_17, from @PNEFC!
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) June 13, 2018
👉 https://t.co/YuH0wAYpX3#CityAsOne 🔵⚽️🔵⚽️ pic.twitter.com/6xqC143BUi
His last appearance in the green jersey came in February 2013.
Cardiff meanwhile, won automatic promotion to the Premier League as they finished second in the Championship this year under Neil Warnock.
“It’s fair to say that I’ve been an admirer of Greg for a number of years and that he’s consistently been one of the best left-sided defenders for club and country,” his new boss said.
“We’re delighted to have his experience and knowledge so as to supplement Joe Bennett who had a great time last season. I anticipate that Greg coming in will give us a lot of strength down that left-hand side.”
🤝 BREAKING: Greg Cunningham has agreed to join Premier League newcomers @CardiffCityFC on a permanent transfer.
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) June 13, 2018
Full details ➡️ https://t.co/fWpBb6nugE #pnefc pic.twitter.com/xb1SGmD2cz
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