Palace confirms Schlupp swoop; deal reportedly worth £12M

Crystal Palace completed its first signing of the January transfer window Friday, announcing Leicester City academy graduate Jeffrey Schlupp has joined the Eagles on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

A fee was not disclosed by either club, but it's reportedly worth around £12 million.

Schlupp, 24, began his professional career at Leicester, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. He ended up making 149 first-team appearances for the Foxes, although playing time this season was at a premium. Schlupp could only finagle a Premier League start this term, and spoke with manager Claudio Ranieri about a midseason transfer.

Palace apparently started the bidding at £9 million, but eventually found an agreement.

Schlupp, who also fielded interest from West Brom last summer, can offer help all along the left side of the pitch. Capable of playing as a left-back or left winger, the Ghanaian will provide competition to Chung-Yong Lee.

"I am delighted we have been able to secure Jeffrey's services. He is a player I have admired for some time and is a talented and athletic player," said Palace boss Sam Allardyce. "He will bring strength and experience to the defence and will be a major asset for the club, having just turned 24 years old."

Schlupp will be available to play in Saturday's match against West Ham.