Canadian international centre-half Jason De Vos has agreed to sign for the Blues. Town boss Joe Royle had been expecting to hear from the former Wigan skipper this evening but the 30-year-old got back to him ahead of schedule.

Royle told the club site: "I am delighted Jason has decided to join us.

"He is a strong, outstanding centre-half who we hope will help keep our goals against column to a minimum and also provide us with an attacking threat from set-pieces.

"Jason's signing is a strong statement from this club that we are not satisfied with fifth place in the table and we will be going all out to finish in the top two next season."

De Vos, who has played more than 40 times for Canada, has signed a three-year deal and joins on a Bosman free transfer.

The ex-Dundee United and Darlington man went for talks with Cardiff today but clearly preferred what he saw when he was at Portman Road yesterday. De Vos had been offered another two year contract at Wigan, while Stoke City were also reported to be interested.

De Vos made 98 senior appearances and scored 15 goals for the Latics, having moved to the JJB Stadium in the summer of 2001 for £500,000.

Prior to that he was at Dundee United along with ex-Blue Alex Mathie, joining them for £400,000 from Darlington in 1998.

Before moving to British football in 1996, De Vos played with the London Lasers, Montreal Impact and Kitchener Spirit in Canada.

Born in London, Ontario, the 6ft 4in defender has gained more than 40 Canada caps.

Photo: Action Images

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