Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay admits speaking with Brendan Rodgers before signing Steven Caulker from Tottenham.

Liverpool boss Rodgers had Caulker on-loan at Swansea City two seasons ago.

Mackay said: "I spoke to Brendan about Steven before the deal happened as he knows him inside out. He said he was a top player and character.

"I knew the type of person he was but when I spoke to Steven he was very enthusiastic, articulate and passionate about football - and had a clear path of where he wants to go. It was music to my ears."