Cardiff City are closing in on the signing of centre-half Krystian Bielik from Championship side West Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal.

The 28-year-old made 17 Championship appearances for the Baggies last season as they finished 21st, narrowly avoiding relegation to League One.

The experienced defender – who can also operate as a defensive midfielder – joined Arsenal from Legia Warsaw in 2015 and had spells with Birmingham City, Walsall, Charlton Athletic and Derby County prior to joining West Brom last summer.

Bielik would be Cardiff’s fourth senior summer recruit following the arrivals of goalkeeper Nathan Trott, midfielder Jack Moylan and left-back Calum Scanlon, who has returned to the Welsh capital on loan from Liverpool.

Poland international Bielik would be a welcome signing for the Bluebirds, who are currently without a fit central defender in their ranks.

Will Fish, Dylan Lawlor, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Osho are all currently injured, although the latter is thought to be close to a return to action.

The Bluebirds gave a debut to 15-year-old defender Noah Anyadike – who became the youngest player in EFL Cup history – during their 2-1 loss against Norwich City in the second round on Tuesday night.

Bielik could potentially make his Cardiff debut when they host Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 BST).