Crystal Palace win race for Eberechi Eze – with QPR youngster penning five-year deal in SE25

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Crystal Palace have made QPR’s Eberechi Eze their second signing of the summer transfer window – the former Millwall youngster signing a five-year deal.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder also attracted interest from West Bromwich Albion and Fulham.

He was released by the Lions at 16 but was picked up by Rangers and has emerged as one of the outstanding young talents who had been plying their trade outside of the Premier League.

Eze scored 20 goals in 112 senior games and collected Supporters’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Junior Hoops Player of the Year last season as well as being shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year.

Palace are thought to have put together a deal which is worth around £20 to the Championship club.

Eze said: “As a football club, I feel like there are great players here and it’s a brilliant opportunity for me to come and be with these players, to link up with them and to really push on.”

Eagles chairman Steve Parish added: “Eberechi is a player whose development we have followed closely. We are delighted he has chosen to sign for us over the other clubs that were interested and we feel that this is the right club for him to continue his development.

“With our academy recently securing category one status, this further illustrates our focus on youth as we look to consolidate and improve upon our position as a Premier League club.”