‘Done deal’: Fabrizio Romano says Crystal Palace have made new signing

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Crystal Palace have completed the signing of 20-year-old defender Chris Francis.

The transfer insider took to Twitter on Friday night to report that the Eagles have signed the free agent.

“Crystal Palace have now reached agreement to sign 2002 born CB Chris Francis from Bournemouth,” he wrote.

“Done deal completed. Left CB signs deal until June 2025 and he’s gonna train with first team.

“Medical completed today, Palace beat Sheffield United on Francis deal.”

Francis reportedly joins Palace after leaving Bournemouth as a free agent this summer.

He was training with Sheffield United and had gone to Portugal on their pre-season tour

Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom was apparently keen to hand him a deal if he had stayed longer.

However, Francis left the Blades’ camp, reopening the race for his services.

Charlton Athletic have also taken him on trial over these past few weeks.

As per the Bournemouth Echo, he played 45 minutes of the Addicks’ 4-0 pre-season friendly win against Welling United.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool apparently held an interest in him too, as per the Daily Mail.

However, it looks like Palace have won the race for the free agent. This is good news as he looks like a talented player, and cost nothing.

It remains to be seen whether Roy Hodgson plans to utilise him in the first team right away, or whether he’s one for the Under-21s.

As per Transfermarkt, Francis was previously at Swindon Town’s academy, before joining non-league side North Leigh in 2021.

A year later, he linked up with the Cherries, playing for their Under-21s and taking in a loan spell at Weymouth Town this year.

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Liverpool are linked with a number of players to improve their defensive midfield position this season and one of them if Cheick Doucoure.

Contrasting reports are going on in the media with regards to the player’s valuation. Football Insider thinks it would take a fee of over £35million, however, The Daily Mail believe Palace want £70million for their prized asset.

News – Liverpool have to agree £43.4m fee for signing – Report

According to The Mail, Liverpool have stepped up their interest in signing the African play breaker from the Eagles.

The British media outlet have mentioned there is concrete interest from the Merseysiders, who are working on the cost that will be required to get the deal done.

For now, they have not made a formal approach but the Selhurst Park outfit are preparing for an eventual contact from the Anfield club.

Doucoure impressed in his debut Premier League campaign last term and was voted by the supporters as the Player of the Seaoson.

In an analysis prepared by The Athletic, the 23-year-old holding midfield star excelled in breaking play and making interceptions last season.

forward and even attempted a number of shots while mainly playing in the DM role.

If Liverpool do end up losing Fabinho, then they must sign a top quality replacement as the Brazilian international has been one of the best midfielders in the country.

Have your say – How big should Liverpool bid to sign £70million-rated Cheick Doucoure?