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Gary O'Neil leaves Norwich City for Bristol City on free transfer

Bristol City will sign midfielder Gary O'Neil when his Norwich City contract expires at the end of the month.

O'Neil, 33, told ESPN FC last month that he was open to extending his stay at Carrow Road after being offered a one-year contract extension.

However, the former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers played has agreed a two-year contract with Championship rivals Bristol City.

"Gary is a really good signing for us, who adds everything we need to our midfield," manager Lee Johnson told the Robins' official website. "He's very experienced, having won promotion from the Championship on four occasions.

"He may have just turned 33, but he's still fully mobile and very fit. He's a really good decision maker who can be a coach's eyes and ears on the pitch, whilst also adding value to our younger players by helping us to manage games tactically - both in and out of possession.

"It's important for us to get the balance right between youth and experience, and he's a fantastic character to have around the club. I'm thoroughly looking forward to working with him."

O'Neil started 19 Premier League games for Norwich and made a further eight appearances from the bench as Alex Neil's side were relegated last season.