BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Cardiff City | Barker secures Cardiff move

Barnsley defender Chris Barker has clinched a move to Cardiff City after passing a medical at Ninian Park.

Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence switched his attentions to the 22-year-old full-back following his failure to attract Rangers' Tony Vidmar to Ninian Park.

Barker agreed personal terms on Thursday, after the two clubs had agreed on a fee.

Lawrence lauds Whalley

"He's got 120 first games, which is pretty good if you're only 22," said Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence.

"He's the right age for us to be spending money on. We wouldn't be spending significant sums of money on older players - we've got some experience.

"Hopefully he'll be a good asset."

It is thought that the Sheffield-born defender will initially cost �500,000, with an extra �100,000 due if Cardiff get promoted.

Barker joins Gareth Whalley as a new Bluebird following the midfielder's move from Bradford earlier in the week.

Gary Croft
Croft could be Cardiff's third signing
Lawrence also revealed that negotiations were on-going with former England under-21 international Gary Croft.

The defender impressed during a loan spell at Ninian Park towards the end of last season.

"The attraction with Gary Croft is his versatility," said Lawrence.

"He can play right-back, left-back, wing-back - he could even play wide left of a four-four-two, although I can't see us playing that system.

"He did well for us last season considering he hadn't played too much first team football."

Cardiff also announced the completion of a one-year shirt sponsorship deal with Ken Thorne Motors. The agreement, worth a six-figure fee, has the option for another year.


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