Cardiff confirms signing of Sevilla star Medel

The 26-year-old Chile international flew to Wales after the Liga side's 3-1 win over Manchester United on Friday night and thrashed out a deal with the Bluebirds

Cardiff City has confirmed the signing of Sevilla midfielder Gary Medel, who will join the Premier League new boys on a four-year contract subject to a work permit.

Bluebirds manager Malky Mackay revealed earlier on Saturday that the Chile international was "95 percent there" in terms of signing for the newly-promoted Welsh side, and a deal has now been struck, with the player also having completed a medical.

Reports in Spain suggested Medel had flown directly to south Wales following his club's 3-1 win over Manchester United in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial, and following the Bluebirds' 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday afternoon, the club confirmed it has broken its transfer record for a third time this summer.

"We're delighted to have secured the services of Gary - a tenacious and intelligent international midfielder," Mackay told the club's official website.

"Having had two seasons of regular football in La Liga - with 60-odd international caps to his name and three appearances at a World Cup - his experience will be an invaluable asset to our squad."

Medel said his goodbyes to the Andalusian club earlier in the day amidst speculation linking him to Cardiff, following reports that he would complete a medical ahead of a 13 million-euro move.

He told Orgullo de Nervion: "It's difficult for me. I want to give my thanks to Sevilla. I will always be with this team, until death.

"I'm going because it was a great opportunity for everybody, but it is complicated because of everything I feel for Sevilla."

The Chile international moved to the Liga club in January 2011 and has played 78 times for the Andalusians. Medel has a reputation for a combative style, receiving six red cards in his two-and-a-half years in Spain.