JUST IN: Crystal Palace have reached agreement to sign English defender for a total fee worth E37m.

Crystal Palace are now on the brink of signing one of the best finishers at a Premier League club.

Dougie Freedman is already hard at work to find talented footballers for Oliver Glasner to welcome into his squad, as we aim to build on this exciting end to the 2023/24 campaign next season.

The Glaswegian has made a habit of picking up bargains on free transfers ever since becoming Director of Football at Selhurst Park in 2017 – such as Jefferson Lerma, Vicente Guaita and Sam Johnstone.

Now – according to reports in Scotland – Dougie Freedman is about to snap up another free transfer for Crystal Palace…

Crystal Palace on the verge of signing Ben Johnson

Well – according to the Daily Record – Crystal Palace are almost certainly going to sign West Ham No.2 Ben Johnson this summer, and the England U21 international is said to be on the verge of committing his future to the Eagles.

The defender – who can play anywhere across the backline – sees his contract at the London Stadium expire in July, and the Daily Record believes his wage demands are too high for West Ham.

Furthermore, it is said that Crystal Palace made an approach to sign Johnson – who Tottenham also want – in January, but the Hammers turned down Freedman’s enquiry as they continued attempts to renew his contract.