Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has defended his decision to sign relatively unknown striker Idriss Saadi, saying that he had been scouted numerous times.

French youth international Saadi, 23, joined the Bluebirds for an unknown fee a day before the transfer window closed.

"He has been on our list of possibles for a good while, watched and watched," Slade told Wales Online. "We sent people to watch him and it is clear he is that typical number nine - strong, powerful, technically good. He can also nick a goal and had a bit of pace to play off the shoulder of defenders.

"It was difficult while we were assessing Idriss because he was injured at the end of last season and it was important we were certain he is okay. Our checks have been in-depth, we left nothing out. Our medical people identified that he needs a little time to reach the fitness standards we set our players.

"That work has already started, but he won't be thrown in at the deep end until he is ready. With Kenwyne Jones leading our attack we do not need to rush him in."

Cardiff were looking for another striker after agreeing to let Eoin Doyle leave on a season-long loan to Preston North End.