Neil Warnock reckons he has landed his No 1 transfer target after signing striker Gary Madine in a £6million deal.

The 27-year-old has linked up with the Bluebirds in a deal until summer 2021 from Bolton Wanderers.

Madine has bagged 10 goals for the Trotters this season – including a penalty in a 2-0 victory over City earlier in the season.

He scored 24 goals in all with the Wanderers having started his professional career at Carlisle United before moving to Sheffield Wednesday.

Warnock said: “He’s been my number one choice all season and I’m delighted to capture him.

“He’s been worth the wait, although I must admit that it wasn’t until the last 24 hours that I thought it might be possible.”

Madine’s fee is the biggest outlay by owner Vincent Tan since he splashed the cash in City’s one season in the Premier League in 2013-14.