Crystal Palace are reportedly close to completing the signing of Northern Irish defender Kofi Balmer.
Sky Sports News reports that the Eagles have agreed a fee with Northern Ireland Premiership side Larne for the centre-back. Palace are said to be finalising personal terms with Balmer to complete the move.
The 21-year-old has played 134 times at senior level in the Northern Irish leagues, starting his professional career with Ballymena United. Last season, the centre-back made 41 appearances for Larne, including four appearances in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League.
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Larne would finish fifth in the Northern Irish Premiership last term and retained the County Antrim Shield after a 1-0 win against league champions Linfield. Recently the club were knocked out of this season’s Europa Conference League following a 1-0 aggregate loss to Gibraltar side St Joseph’s in the first round, with Balmer featuring in both matches. Balmer also played four matches in the 2019/20 Europa League qualifying stages with Ballymena United.
Palace have added four players to their ranks so far in the summer transfer window, with Balmer set to become their fifth signing. The Eagles signed West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a free transfer and Derby County teenager Malcolm Ebiowei in early July. Cheick Doucoure moved to Selhurst Park for a reported £21million and Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards was the latest to join the club in an £8.5m deal.
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