Striker Michael Ricketts has one England cap

The Bluebirds failed earlier in the day with a bid for Wycombe striker Nathan Tyson, thought to be close to �300,000.

Meanwhile, striker Andy Campbell, 26, has joined Oxford on loan for four months with a view to a permanent deal.

And midfielder Richard Langley has also left Ninian Park after a near two-year stay to rejoin his former club QPR on an initial one-year deal.

Former England striker Ricketts joined Leeds from Middlesbrough in June 2004, but the ex-Bolton hitman has struggled to hold down a regular place.

"I'm pleased to get the lad in - a player who at his best will be a big asset," Cardiff boss Dave Jones said.

Ricketts won his solitary England cap in a friendly against Holland in 2002.

Ricketts has already turned down a move to Russian club Samara because he did not want to move to eastern Europe.