CITY have moved early to sign Irish defender Ciaran Kelly ahead of next month’s transfer window.

The Bantams have agreed a deal in principle for the former Bohemians centre half on a contract until the summer of 2025.

Kelly will start training with the club this week before officially joining them, subject to international clearance, when the window opens on January 1.

Kelly said: “It feels great to be here. This is a massive club and I am determined to play a part in its history.

“I am a defender who likes to play out from the back but am not afraid of putting in a hard challenge when I need to as well.

“I have been in Ireland for a number of years now and had success at the clubs I have been at.

“I have played in finals and big games in Europe, but have come here to stamp my authority on the English leagues and be a part of something special.

“I always want to challenge myself and see this as the next step up in my career. Hopefully, I can achieve great things here.

“I have been to a few games already and witnessed the atmosphere at a big game.

“The supporters are right behind the club and looking around at the stadium fills me with excitement. I cannot wait to kick on, get on the pitch and hopefully do the fans proud.”

The 6ft 3in defender arrives at Valley Parade after his contract with Bohemians expired at the end of last month. City beat off other competition for his signature.

Kelly, 24, began his professional career at St Patrick’s Athletic in 2015, where he returned after a spell with Drogheda United, before moving to Bohs in 2020.

He featured 74 times in total for the Dublin outfit and played 34 of their 36 2022 Irish Premier Division matches, as well as turning out in the UEFA Europa League.

City boss Mark Hughes said: “We are pleased to be welcoming Ciarán to the club as the first of our January signings.

“He is a player who has attracted a lot of interest from teams at this level and above, but had his heart set on joining us here at Bradford City.

“We have been monitoring Ciarán for a number of months and have travelled over to Ireland to meet with him and his family who were all very excited about the move.

“He is a left-sided centre-half who is fiercely competitive but also fits in well to the style of play we have adopted.

“He will start training with his new team-mates this week, as we look forward to introducing him properly to the action in the New Year.”