WANDERERS clinched a prize signing on deadline day, adding winger Craig Noone on a free transfer.

It was a case of quality, not quantity last night as the 29-year-old midfielder severed ties with Cardiff City to sign a two-year deal at the Macron Stadium.

Noone played 170 games for the Bluebirds and scored 19 goals, helping the team to Premier League promotion in 2013.

But he fell out of favour under Neil Warnock this season, with the Cardiff boss even excluding him from the Carabao Cup side to make sure he was not ineligible for a potential suitor.

“I am delighted to get it all sorted and I cannot wait to play for Bolton Wanderers,” Noone said on his arrival.

“There had been some interest from other clubs, but Bolton was always my first choice.

“They are a massive club and I am looking forward to getting going.”

Parkinson added: “I’m pleased to get Craig on board. He’s got a lot of experience in the Championship and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

Phil Parkinson had wanted to add at least one more fresh face to his squad but despite Wanderers’ best efforts to negotiate extra space in their quota, the EFL stood firm on their 23-man limit.

South Korean winger Chung-Yong Lee was offered the chance to return to the club on loan but a source close to the player said he had “respectfully declined” in order to fight for a place in the Crystal Palace side under Frank De Boer.

Swansea City midfielder Jay Fulton - son of former Wanderers midfielder Steve Fulton - was also a loan target at one stage.

But links to Arsenal youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide fell by the wayside early in the day with no offer eventually made to the Gunners.

Perhaps of more surprise to Wanderers fans was the fact Chris Taylor did not leave, as expected.

The midfielder had been pegged for a loan move elsewhere after failing to feature in the first month of the season yet the club reported no bids on the final day.

It is not known whether he counts towards the 23-man quota from here on in.

It now remains to be seen whether Ken Anderson is successful in removing the transfer embargo and enabling Parkinson to sign free agents in the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, Wanderers’ local derby against Preston North End has been moved to Friday, November 17 for live television coverage.