Ward completes Cardiff switch

After months of speculation, the striker signed a deal with the Bluebirds today for an undisclosed fee.

A Steve Evans signing from Huddersfield in January 2015, Ward has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Despite the constant struggles near the foot of the Championship, the player's willingness to lead the line, often hunting alone up front, won respect and ensured he was courted by Championship clubs as he neared the end of his contract.

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock observed Ward at close quarters during his rescue act in charge of the Millers two seasons ago. A strong run of form in the first half of last season, which brought eight goals in 16 appearances, also attracted interest from QPR and Ipswich.

Ward was rated in the £4 million bracket and although a move in the January transfer window didn't transpire, Rotherham triggered a 12-month contract extension option last month to ensure they would be entitled to a fee, thought to be around £1.6 million, which eclipses the club's previous highest sale of Kieran Agard to Bristol City in 2014.

That fee is understood to include a sizeable sell-on to Huddersfield Town but the deal still represents a healthy profit for Rotherham on a player who will now get the chance to continue his career in the second tier.

Manager Paul Warne has already begun his hunt for Ward's replacement, with ex-Fleetwood striker David Ball joining yesterday with further reinforcements expected.