RYAN East has joined Rochdale permanently from City for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder has been a big hit on loan this season for Dale, who were keen to secure his services on a full-time basis.

East, signed by Mark Hughes in the summer of 2022, played 26 times for the Bantams but just seven of those were from the start.

His final City appearance was as a second-half sub for Adam Clayton in the play-off semi-final second leg at Carlisle in May.

East has been a regular for Rochdale since leaving Valley Parade in mid-August.

The 22-year-old has started 22 times and scored four goals from playing a more advanced role. Rochdale currently sit ninth in the National League.

East is the first confirmed exit as City look to trim the numbers in their squad during the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, young keeper Heath Richardson has joined Cleethorpes Town in the Northern Premier League East on an initial one-month loan.