Crystal Palace secure Johan Cabaye

France midfielder Yohan Cabaye is on his way back to the Premier League after leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join Crystal Palace for what the London club described as "a club record fee".

Cabaye has signed a three-year deal at Selhurst Park where, subject to receiving international clearance, he will once again team up with manager Alan Pardew, under whom he played at Newcastle United during his previous stint in England.

Palace, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, reported the transfer fee as undisclosed but the BBC said they had paid £10 million (13.9m euros, $15.5m) possibly rising to £13 million with add-ons.

"I wanted to come and play for Palace because there are some really strong players here," he told the club's official website.

"They finished very well last season and I think they can compete to get into the top eight. I also know the gaffer and have worked with him before and I'm confident with him.

"I want to do my best for him because he's made a big effort to get me to come here, as well as the chairman, so I have to say a big thank you to both of them."

Cabaye started his career at Lille, where he was part of their double-winning side in 2011 before departing for Newcastle that year.

He moved to PSG in January last year but never succeeded in becoming a regular at the Parc des Princes due to the stiff competition for places in midfield.
Source: AFP