Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Alex Smithies is close to completing a move to Cardiff City, according to HITC Sport.

Premier League bound Cardiff are set to poach Smithies from QPR after agreeing a fee of around £4m for his services.

The 28-year-old has vast experience in the Football League, although he is yet to test himself at Premier League level.

With well over 250 appearances under his belt at his hometown club Huddersfield Town and more than 100 at QPR, the former England youth international is experienced, still relatively young for a goalkeeper and he has earned a reputation for being one of the best stoppers in the second tier.

Cardiff currently have Neil Etheridge as their number one choice but Smithies will provide competition for the starting spot in South Wales.

The Verdict

This is a major blow for QPR as Smithies has been a reliable and consistent performer over the past few seasons, even when things have been going badly elsewhere on the pitch.

His exit will leave a major void that Steve McClaren must fill immediately, although Joe Lumley and Matt Ingram will be eyeing their first-team chance now.

As for Cardiff, this is exactly the type of signing they needed as Smithies will improve their goalkeeper options ahead of an exciting season in the top flight.

QPR fans - How can you replace Smithies? Let us know below...