Celtic sign Wales midfielder Ledley

Celtic signed Wales midfielder Joe Ledley from Cardiff City on a free transfer on Monday.

Ledley agreed a four-year deal with the Scottish Premier League club after deciding to reject a late approach from Stoke.

The move is a major blow to Championship outfit Cardiff, who have missed out on a potential three-million-pounds transfer fee for the 23-year-old due to a legal loophole.

Although Ledley’s contract with Cardiff expired last month, any English club trying to sign the midfielder would have had to pay compensation because he is under 24.

However, under Fifa rules, once a player turns 23 and is out of contract he is able to complete a cross-border transfer without any fee being paid.

Ledley will now join up with Neil Lennon’s squad on their pre-season tour to the United States.

“Celtic is a massive club. I’m looking forward to the season and working with Neil and his coaching staff,” Ledley told Celtic’s website.

“I want to come here and win trophies. This is a great club and I’m looking forward to playing in front of a Celtic’s great fans every week.

“This is the right time to leave Cardiff and look at my career. Hopefully we can win the league and cups and it gives me the opportunity to play in Europe too.”

Ledley, who has been capped 32 times by Wales, is Lennon’s third signing since he was confirmed as permanent Celtic boss following a successful spell as caretaker manager last season.

Lennon, who has also swooped for South Korea defender Cha Du-Ri and Charlie Mulgrew, added: “Clearly, there were a number of clubs very interested in signing him so we are very pleased he has chosen to come to Celtic, somewhere I think he can be a tremendous success.”