Gary O'Neil has agreed to join Norwich City's Championship rivals Bristol City on a free transfer.

https://twitter.com/bcfctweets/status/740876321560137728

The midfielder had a medical on Wednesday night ahead of signing a two-year contract to join the Ashton Gate club.

O'Neil had been offered a new deal to stay with the relegated Canaries by Alex Neil, with his current contract set to officially expire at the end of this month.

Bristol City confirmed the move on Thursday afternoon and Robins' head coach Lee Johnson is looking forward to working with the experienced operator.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich City's Gary O'Neil (left) leaves the field after being shown a red card by referee Neil Swarbrick (right) after a dangerous foul on Stoke City's Ibrahim Afellay during the Barclays Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium in January. Photo: PANorwich City's Gary O'Neil (left) leaves the field after being shown a red card by referee Neil Swarbrick (right) after a dangerous foul on Stoke City's Ibrahim Afellay during the Barclays Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium in January. Photo: PA (Image: PA Wire)

'Gary is a really good signing for us, who adds everything we need to our midfield,' said Johnson, on his club's official site. '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.'

Eastern Daily Press: O'Neil's head bandage briefly proved to be a lucky charm for Norwich City towards the end of the Premier League season. Photo: PAO'Neil's head bandage briefly proved to be a lucky charm for Norwich City towards the end of the Premier League season. Photo: PA (Image: PA Wire)

O'Neil used his personal Twitter account to post a farewell message to Norwich fans.

He tweeted: 'Firstly I would like to thank everyone involved with Norwich City for a really enjoyable two years, including the fantastic day at Wembley. The great support we received last season while we were struggling is something that I will remember for a long time. I wish the players, staff and supporters all the best for the future.

'I'm now thoroughly focused and looking forward to starting my new challenge on July 1 at Bristol City. After speaking with the manager, Lee Johnson, I was instantly drawn in by the plan and project that the club is embarking on. Hopefully my experience can help an already exciting, young and talented squad achieve Premier League status. Thank you to the Bristol City fans for your early welcoming tweets.'

Eastern Daily Press: O'Neil spent two seasons at Carrow Road. Photo: PAO'Neil spent two seasons at Carrow Road. Photo: PA (Image: PA Wire)

O'Neil established himself as a regular Premier League starter last season at Norwich and captained the side on numerous occasions over the run-in.

The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham and QPR midfielder made 31 top flight appearances for Norwich and forged an impressive partnership alongside Jonny Howson before the club's player-of-the year suffered a late-season ending.

Eastern Daily Press: He signed as a free agent in the summer of 2014.He signed as a free agent in the summer of 2014. (Image: Archant)