BURNLEY have beaten Cardiff City in the race to sign Marvin Bartley from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old, who played under current Clarets boss Eddie Howe at Dean Court, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Turf Moor.

Howe, who made Charlie Austin his first Turf Moor capture on Friday, agreed terms with Bournemouth before the 11 o’clock cut-off point last night, in the hope of adding midfielder Bartley to his ranks, although the deal was dependent on paperwork being completed in time.

Cardiff had looked to be in pole position earlier in the day, after tabling the highest bid for the one-time Leeds and Scunthorpe target.

But after having one bid rejected, Burnley returned with an improved offer just after 9pm, and Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell was said to have reluctantly agreed terms.

The 24-year-old, like former Poole Town striker Austin, has risen through the ranks from non-league on his release from hometown club Reading in 2004.

The former sprinter moved to Burnham, where he played alongside his two brothers.

Before signing for Bournemouth three years later, he had spells at Hayes, Didcot Town and Hampton and Richmond Borough.

After joining the Cherries he quickly became been a mainstay of the side under Howe, making more than 130 appearances and earning a new contract during the 2009-10 campaign.

Meanwhile, Swansea City have completed the loan signing of Burnley defender David Edgar.