Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Blues target Joel Ward from Portsmouth for a fee of £400,000. Town, Leeds, Blackpool, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday had also been in the hunt for the 22-year-old defender or midfielder.

Ward has signed a four-year deal with the Eagles, who emerged as favourites for his signature last week despite offering personal terms believed to be worth less than were on offer at some of the other interested clubs. Palace’s comparative closeness to his family in Portsmouth is thought to have been a significant factor in his decision.

The one-time Bournemouth loanee opting not to join the Blues will be a blow to manager Paul Jewell, who had been after Ward since January when a bid was accepted but personal terms turned down.

In March, Ward was at Portman Road to talk about a loan move before the deadline but Pompey’s administrator pulled the plug on the switch with the crisis club then still having a chance of salvaging their Championship status.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

h32 added 22:39 - May 28 ....... excitement almost at fever pitch for SOME - because we may be signing someone from MACCLESFIELD instead, yes MACCLESFIELD - can you believe it ??
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NastyPasty added 22:49 - May 28 Yeh h32 I can believe it.. And would prefer it. On 1 hand u got a idiot demanding big wages for a average season.. Or on the other hand u got a Promising , young talent, who would be proud 2 wear the shirt and try his very best 2 impress pj for extended contract n wage increase. A la Cressy. I know which i'd prefer. Come on Hewitt. Sign up ...
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gypo added 23:23 - May 28 .
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Tractorog added 00:09 - May 29 Good news. No more stories about Ward. Bad news. More interminable stories about some other beggars.
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EatonBlue added 00:33 - May 29 no great loss i seriously worry about anyone who would prefer south london to suffolk
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braintree_blue10 added 08:22 - May 29 Sheffield - How did you get your shirt so quick ???? ;) lol , think they are still making them in some sweatbox somewhere
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austractor added 14:09 - May 29 Not fussed missing out on ward. Edwards will be as good this season still at either RB or RM. Hewitt is an interesting move if its true. Does that mean Joe Whight isnt great after all or is he only left sided?
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ITFCforlife added 18:57 - May 29 whight is left sided austractor
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Steelmonkey added 21:26 - May 29 Ward didn't come here as we wouldn't guarantee him a starting position in the 1st eleven, you know - like what leadboots had.
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