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London - Experienced central defender James Tomkins will be reunited with former mentor Alan Pardew after Crystal Palace signed him from Premier League rivals West Ham on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old -- never capped at senior level by England but who played for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics -- signed a five year contract with 'The Eagles' splashing out £10 million to take him away from the club he joined as a seven-year-old.
"I am really excited to be joining Crystal Palace, a massive club and a manager in Alan Pardew that I know well and will always be thankful for how he helped me develop in my younger days at Upton Park," said Tomkins.
Tomkins, who joins French international goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and record £13m signing Andros Townsend as Pardew's close season acquisitions, was given a rousing endorsement by club chairman Steve Parish.
"I'm really pleased James has agreed to join us, he's someone Alan has always wanted to sign from his own days at West Ham," said Parish.
"I'm sure he is destined to become a huge part of our team as we look to build on the progress the club has made over the last six years.
"It's been a really positive transfer window so far, everyone has worked really hard to make these deals happen and I think we are much stronger because of them."
Pardew is still awaiting to see if Liverpool accept the £30 million plus bid for unsettled Belgian international striker Christian Benteke is accepted.
Pardew is seeking to strengthen the team which reached the FA Cup final last season -- losing in extra time to Manchester United -- but whose league form tailed off in worrying fashion after the New Year.
