GORDON COMPLETES CARDIFF SWITCH

The two Third Division rivals had agreed a fee last week for the 21-year-old but he did not complete his medical until Saturday due to problems with his contract.

Bluebirds chairman Sam Hammam had wanted to include a clause that would prevent Gordon from playing for Jamaica should he be selected. However, following Fifa's decision that the clause was illegal, a verbal agreement has been made between the player and club regarding his international future.

Gordon, who has hit 11 League goals already this season, will join up with red-hot striker Robert Earnshaw and Leo Fortune-West at Ninian Park to give Cardiff an impressive looking choice of strikers.

The deal will include a £275,000 initial lump sum, which will rise to a club record fee of £550,000 depending on appearances.

"The total package is for a figure of £550,000 plus sell on clauses. The fee includes staged payments over two years and appearance bonuses," said Lincoln Chief Executive Jerry Lonsdale.

"What this deal ensures is a steady flow of income to Lincoln City Football Club over a period of time. What it does not mean is an instant windfall solution to the club's problems and we remain under a very tight monetary policy."

The striker is also happy that the deal eventually went ahead and is keen to further his career in Wales.

"I'm excited about joining Cardiff City. It's a club with tremendous potential," said Gordon. "Hopefully I can help them gain promotion this season and go on to bigger things,"

"It's a dream move for me really and I didn't want to let anything stand in the way. I'm delighted we managed to work things out."

Also delighted with the deal will be cash-strapped Hull City, who sold Gordon to Lincoln for £30,000 in 1997. As part of that deal the Tigers will receive 30% of any profit made by Lincoln, which could rise to £170,000 depending on his appearances.