“Matthew Connolly has joined Championship club Cardiff City,” a statement on QPR’s website read.

“The 24-year-old has penned a three year-deal in South Wales, after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the defender’s services.”

Connolly started his football education at Arsenal before loan spells with Bournemouth and Colchester.

QPR swooped for his services in 2008 and he went on to play a big part in the London club’s npower Championship title-winning campaign of 2010/11.

However, the 24-year-old, who can play in any position across the back, struggled to make an impact at Loftus Road last season and spent the latter part of the campaign on loan at Reading, again tasting promotion to the top flight.

Connolly’s departure comes as QPR are understood to be close to sealing a deal for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, while Real Madrid’s Ricardo Carvalho is also being heavily linked with a season-long loan switch.

Connolly will hope to make his Cardiff debut in Saturday’s Severnside derby at Bristol City.