Cardiff sign Alex Smithies from QPR as Neil Warnock builds squad for survival bid

CARDIFF have announced Alex Smithies’ arrival from QPR in their third signing of the window.

The newly-promoted Bluebirds have set about their business early as they aim to survive in the Premier League.

And Smithies, 28, will provide quality competition for Philippines international Neil Etheridge, who will miss up to five games in January as he travels to the Asian Cup.

Boss Neil Warnock said: “I wondered if he just has a blinder when he plays against us.

“But having watched Alex for a while, there is no doubting his pedigree.

“He’s a lad that knows he will have to fight for his place.

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“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.”

Cardiff are believed to be paying £3million up front for Smithies, who joins until 2022, with another £500,000 if they stay up.

And despite Warnock claiming he had a modest budget, the veteran boss has celebrated his record eighth promotion with a decent shopping spree.

He has already spent almost £20m on Smithies, Josh Murphy and Greg Cunningham – and is likely to bring in at least three more new faces, possibly on loan deals.

Liverpool starlet Marko Grujic, who joined on a short-term deal last season, is being targeted while Iceland skipper Aron Gunnarsson has been offered a new deal.