TWTD sources have learnt that Blues target Joel Ward is currently in the process of completing his move to Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old had been chased by Town since January with Leeds, Blackpool, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday also showing interest to various degrees since the end of the season.
The versatile defender or midfielder is understood to have been offered a four-year deal by the Eagles, who emerged as favourites last week despite offering lower personal terms than some of the other interested clubs. Palace’s relative closeness to his family in Portsmouth is likely to have played a major part in his decision.
Ward, a one-time Bournemouth loanee, is set to undergo a medical and sign on the dotted line later today.
His decision not to join the Blues will be a blow to manager Paul Jewell, who has been in the hunt for 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.