Palace close in on international

Crystal Palace are close to landing a Austrian utility player Johannes Ertl following a successful trial at the club last season.

The 25-year-old has seven international caps to his name and it is his ability to play almost anywhere on the pitch which appeals to Palace boss Neil Warnock.

He told the South London Press: "Johannes will probably sign for us on July 1 - we've nearly agreed everything on that deal, there are just the odd bits to do.

"We needed someone who can play in a few positions and he can play in central defence and also in an anchor midfield role."