City have completed the permanent signing of defender Paudie O’Connor, who becomes the Bantams’ eighth new recruit of the summer.

The centre-back joins from Leeds United on a three-year contract - after turning down offers from League One - to bolster City’s new-look backline.

This comes after a deal was struck between the two clubs, enabling O'Connor to return to Valley Parade as part of a long-term agreement.

Having enjoyed an impressive run in the team towards the end of last season on loan from Leeds, the 21-year-old is determined to pick up from where he left off.

O’Connor said: “This is the best possible move for me.

“Gary (Bowyer) and I have a great relationship. We complement each other well and I understand his demands. He plays football the right way so it suits me down to the ground, signing for City.

“Being a leader comes with the way I play. I am always on the front foot. Over the coming three years I am desperate to be associated with success.

“Playing here at Valley Parade in front of the crowd is a great feeling. It played a big part in my decision to sign a long-term deal here.

“I will do all I can to help us get promoted. I have committed myself to the club and want to concentrate on my football.”

The Irishman is a player Bowyer knows very well, having been signed by the City boss at Blackpool.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured Paudie on a permanent deal and look forward to seeing him develop even further.

“I signed him last year, at Blackpool, and everyone knows what I think of him as a player and a character. In my opinion, he has the desire and ability to play at a higher level.

“He displayed great leadership skills when we gave him the captain’s armband at the end of last season. We will need those qualities again in this difficult division.”