Denmark star Andreas Cornelius joins Cardiff

Denmark striker Andreas Cornelius has signed a five-year deal with Cardiff after passing his medical with the Premier League newcomers.

The 20-year-old's transfer will be finalised once international clearance is received.

Cardiff agreed a deal with FC Copenhagen last week and the player underwent his medical at the club's Vale of Glamorgan training base today.

Cornelius will join up with his new team-mates next week after a short holiday.

"This is a dream come true for me," Cornelius told Cardiff City Player.

"I've been given a great opportunity and this is a very exciting project that's taking place at Cardiff City.

"I'm very happy to be here and to be playing for this club in the Premier League.

"There were opportunities for me this summer and I had to think about what was the right thing to do, the correct step for me to take in terms of my career.

"I was impressed by what the club is trying to do, the fact it has reached the Premier League and that it has a passionate fan base supporting it."

Cornelius added: "It's been a busy few days as I graduated from university back home over the weekend.

"Both school and football are very important to me, so I had to structure my plans in order to achieve in both.

"I will link up with my new team-mates next Monday and look forward to preparing for the new season.

"These are very exciting times and I'm looking forward to working with the manager and learning more about this squad."

The 6ft 4in striker top-scored with 18 goals in the Danish Superliga last season, during which he also made his senior international debut.

He hopes his move will enhance his chances with the national team.

"The Danish national team always wants players playing in foreign countries, especially in the English Premier League," he added.

"If I can improve as a player at Cardiff City, which I think I can, then I can be a better player for the Danish national squad as well."

Cornelius is manager Malky Mackay's first signing of the summer as he plans for a first season in the Premier League.

"We would like to thank Carsten Jensen and all the staff at FC Copenhagen for both the good relations that have been built between the two clubs over the past couple of weeks and the professionalism they have shown in working with us to complete this transfer," said Cardiff's head of recruitment Iain Moody.

Cardiff have lined up two home pre-season friendlies against Italian side Chievo on August 3 and Spanish club Athletic Bilbao on August 10.

PA