Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Blues target Joel Ward from Portsmouth for a fee of £400,000. Town, Leeds, Blackpool, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday had also been in the hunt for the 22-year-old defender or midfielder.

Ward has signed a four-year deal with the Eagles, who emerged as favourites for his signature last week despite offering personal terms believed to be worth less than were on offer at some of the other interested clubs. Palace’s comparative closeness to his family in Portsmouth is thought to have been a significant factor in his decision.

The one-time Bournemouth loanee opting not to join the Blues will be a blow to manager Paul Jewell, who had been after Ward since January when a bid was accepted but personal terms turned down.

In March, Ward was at Portman Road to talk about a loan move before the deadline but Pompey’s administrator pulled the plug on the switch with the crisis club then still having a chance of salvaging their Championship status.

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