Jenkins has won 16 caps for Wales

Cardiff City have signed Huddersfield Town's Steve Jenkins on a free transfer.

The Wales international defender agreed personal terms with the Bluebirds on Monday, and both clubs reached an agreement on Wednesday.

Jenkins has accepted a deal until the end of the season, but Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence said the 30-year-old is part of his plans for next season.

"He's a good pro. He's good cover for us initially - that's the understanding he's coming in with," Lawrence told BBC Wales Sport.

"If he gets his chance it's up to him to take it. I think it's a right move for him at this stage of his career.

I am disappointed to lose him but our hands are tied Huddersfield manager Mick Wadsworth

"Although we've only taken him until the end of the season, if I wasn't hopeful he'd be with us next season then I we wouldn't have signed him."

Jenkins has been able to join Cardiff on a free transfer because Huddersfield have been in breach of his contract.

The cash-strapped club, currently bottom of Division Two, has not been able to pay Jenkins' wages in recent weeks.

Town manager Mick Wadsworth said he was very disappointed to lose Jenkins, who has spent eight seasons with the Terriers.

"He's a good player and a great guy. He's been a great servant to the club," Wadsowrth told the club's website.

"I'm sure the fans will be disappointed but wish him well. He's going back home and I understand that and it's a big pull for him.

"As I say, I am disappointed to lose him but our hands are tied.

"We cannot receive any money from Cardiff because we are in breach of his contract because we have had problems with salaries, so that makes him a free agent."

The Bluebirds have also hoping to agree loan deals with Manchester United's Luke Chadwick, Andy Melville of Fulham and Charlton's John Robinson.