Flint signs as Manga and Zohore exit

CARDIFF City have unveiled towering centre-back Aden Flint as their fifth signing of the summer so far.

Flint has penned a three-year contract with the Bluebirds after a £6m deal was struck with City’s Championship rivals, Middlesbrough.

The 30-year-old stopper only moved to the Riverside last summer in a £7m switch from Bristol City and made 46 competitive appearances for Boro last season, but will now compete with Sean Morrison, Sol Bamba and Curtis Nelson at the centre of the Bluebirds’ defence.

After the move was wrapped up, a delighted Flint said: “I’m excited to be here and thankful for the opportunity.

“Everyone wants to play in the Premier League, and that’s why I’ve joined. Hopefully we can get the right results, get promoted again, and have another opportunity to do that.

“I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Flint arrives as a direct replacement for Bruno Manga, who completed a £3m move to French Ligue 1 outfit Dijon yesterday.

The Gabonese international has made 150 league appearances for Cardiff after joining the club from Lorient in 2014.

Manga, who cited family reasons as the motivating factor for his return home to France, was quick to pay tribute to the club he’ll be leaving behind.

“Thank you to the manager, the owner and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for you, and the brilliant players and staff that helped me along the way.. Finally, to the fans... you have been incredible to me”

Manga’s departure was not the only Cardiff City exit confirmed yesterday; West Brom wrapped up the £8m purchase of Bluebirds front man Kenneth Zohore. ■