Sky Sports understands Crystal Palace have won the race to sign Portsmouth defender Joel Ward.
Pompey defender set for Selhurst Park
Sky Sports understands Crystal Palace have won the race to sign Portsmouth defender Joel Ward.
Ward has been expected to leave Portsmouth since the end of the season due to the club's financial problems.
A number of clubs have expressed an interest in the highly-rated 22-year-old, with the likes of Leeds, Ipswich and Burnley all chasing the versatile performer.
However, it is understood Palace are set to clinch the signature of Ward ahead of their Championship rivals.
Palace have agreed an undisclosed fee with Portsmouth for Ward and personal terms are thought to have been agreed with the defender.
Ward is expected to sign a four-year deal at Selhurst Park to become Dougie Freedman's first signing of the summer.
