Andrew Davies is heading for Scotland after turning down the chance to stay with City.

The defensive rock, who made 125 appearances after initially arriving on loan from Stoke in September 2011, has taken up the added security of a longer-term deal to sign for Ross County.

It is understood that a new deal at Valley Parade would have been heavily appearance-based after missing significant chunks of his previous seasons through injury.

Phil Parkinson confirmed: “We made Davo a contract offer but he’s got the chance of a two or three-year deal at Ross County and wanted to take that.

“We thank him for what he has done for this club – he’s been a tremendous player during his time here.

“But that’s the way football is. Things move on and sometimes you have to evaluate the squad.

“We’re working hard to balance things in terms of age and players who will move us forward.”

Parkinson revealed that he has been speaking with several potential replacements.

He added: “We had to move things on. Pre-season has started and the players we’re speaking to want decisions.

“We’re in talks with several centre halves and we’re confident of getting the right one.”