Palace make two more signings

Cape Town - Crystal Palace have confirmed the signings of James McCarthy and Victor Camarasa, which takes their tally to five new acquisitions this transfer window.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson had expressed concern with the club’s lack of transfer activity ahead of today’s 5pm transfer deadline, but it looks as though the powers that be, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman, have finally come up trumps.

All of a sudden Palace have five new signings on board with Camarasa and McCarthy adding to the arrivals of Jordan Ayew, Gary Cahill and goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.

And there could be more on the way on a hectic day, with a new striker and right-back to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka also on the wanted list before the window slams shut.

The latest two captures come as a huge boost and will add much needed strength and experience to the Palace midfield for the campaign ahead.

Spanish midfielder Camarasa arrives on a season-long loan from La Liga club Real Betis, but Palace do have the option to take him on a permanent basis at the end of the term if all goes according to plan.

The 25-year-old has Premier League experience having spent last season on loan at Cardiff City and although it ended badly with the Bluebirds being relegated to the Championship, Palace have not been put off.

And why should they, Camarasa was a rare bright spark in the Cardiff midfield last season, chipping in with five goals and providing a further four assists in 33 matches.

With a tough season already under his belt, it should stand him in good stead for the campaign ahead and the player will add more creativity to the Palace midfield.

On his return to the English top-flight, he said: “I am very happy to be here and I’m so excited to start with the group. I think Palace has great players and it is a great club.

“I’m going to work hard to play football and I hope that the fans are excited with my football.”

In a further boost Palace have also managed to draft in long-term target McCarthy, paying Everton £3million for the Republic of Ireland midfielder’s services.

With 133 appearances for the Toffees under his belt, it is another very shrewd piece of business for the Eagles and an absolute bargain at the price they have paid.

The 28-year-old had a year remaining on his contract at Goodison Park, where he has been for the last six seasons, but jumped at the chance of a fresh challenge with Palace, who will be hoping to reap the rewards.

Boss Hodgson is a happy man, saying: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring James to the club because he’s a player I’ve admired for a very long time."

Hodgson will be even happier if he can get a couple more bodies in and still manage to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha come 5pm today.