Cardiff City have signed Everton defender Niels Nkounkou on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old left-back joins after Jamillu Collins was ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender Joel Bagan started at left-back at Bristol City last Sunday, but suffered a head injury in the 2-0 defeat.

Nkounkou is eligible to make his debut when Cardiff host Preston in the Championship on Saturday.

Bagan is out of that game due to head injury protocols.

Nkounkou joined Everton on a free transfer from Marseille in July 2020 on a three-year deal.

He has made two Premier League appearances for the Toffees having also had five cup outings.

Last season Nkounkou was on loan with Belgian club Standard Liege.