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Cardiff City have announced the signing of Greg Cunningham.
The Republic of Ireland international has joined the newly promoted Premier League club from Preston for an undisclosed fee.
Cunningham, 27, was the subject of a failed £2 million bid from the Bluebirds last August, but has now sealed a move to Cardiff City Stadium.
“I can play left of a three, wing back or left back,” he told Cardiff City TV.
“I’m an aggressive player, will give everything for the club I play for. I’ll be doing that for Cardiff City.
“I’m delighted to get the deal over the line. There was interest last year and I owe a lot to the Gaffer for keeping fait in me and getting the job done.â€
The left back joined Preston in 2015 after spells at Manchester City, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, and Bristol City.
Galway native Cunningham has won four international caps for the Boys in Green, the last of which came way back in 2013.
However, with Martin O’Neill recently suggesting that the left back position is up for grabs, Cunningham could find himself in the mix to usurp Stephen Ward.
“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,” said Cardiff boss Neil Warnock.
“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.â€
“We’re delighted to have his experience and knowledge so as to supplement Joe Bennett who had a great time last season,” Warnock continued.
“I anticipate that Greg coming in will give us a lot of strength down that left-hand side.â€
.@Cunningham_17 signs! 📝💙#CityAsOne 🔵⚽🔵⚽ pic.twitter.com/HBfPIF84FB
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) June 13, 2018
Cunningham is likely to challenge Joe Bennett for a starting role in Cardiff’s first 11.
The 27 year old made two Premier League appearances for Man City after graduating through the club’s academy, and made his senior international debut in 2010 in a 3-0 win over Algeria in Dublin.
He was a key player for Preston, making 111 appearances – and scoring four goals – for the Championship club after moving to Deepdale on a free transfer from Bristol City.
Preston have wished Cunningham well, and stated on the club website that “despite the best efforts of the club, he did not want to sign a new deal and with the opportunity to play top tier football, this move is in the best interest of all parties.”
The Irish international’s departure could lead to more opportunities for his compatriot Kevin O’Connor, who has found first team appearances hard to come by since joining Preston from Cork City.
Preston are also in advanced talks to sign Graham Burke, with the deal expected to be announced in the coming days.
Cunningham is Cardiff’s second signing of the summer, after the Welsh club snapped up Norwich’s Josh Murphy earlier this week.
This article originally appeared on The Season Ticket.
