Cardiff City sign John Brayford from Derby County

Cardiff City have completed the signing of full-back John Brayford from Derby County on a four-year contract.

The 25-year-old defender joins the Premier League newcomers for an undisclosed fee after a three-year spell at Derby.

"Cardiff City is pleased to announce that John Brayford has signed for the club from Derby County following the completion of his medical and paperwork," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The highly-rated defender has signed a four year deal at Cardiff City Stadium and will link up with his new teammates ahead of City's pre-season fixture at Cheltenham Town on Saturday."

Brayford admitted that he left Pride Park with a heavy heart, but could not turn down the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

"When I heard Cardiff were interested in signing me, then I was obviously very interested, especially at the prospect of playing in the Premier League and testing myself at the highest level," Brayford told the club's official website.

"Derby will always be a special club to me, but this was an opportunity I couldn't ignore."

Brayford made 117 appearances for the Rams having joined them from Crewe Alexandra in 2010.