Palace confirm signing of goalkeeper Mandanda

Matt Stead

Crystal Palace have followed up the signing of Andros Townsend but purchasing goalkeeper Steve Mandanda from Marseille.

Townsend’s £13million arrival from Newcastle – who have signed Gayle for £10million three years after he joined Palace for £6million – makes him the club’s new record signing.

He will be joined at the club by France international Mandanda, 31, who leaves Marseille after nine years in which he won one Ligue 1 title and three French League Cups over the course of 443 appearances.

The 22-times capped goalkeeper has signed a three-year contract with Palace and will intensify the already strong competition for places between present first-choice Wayne Hennessey, Alex McCarthy and the long-serving Julian Speroni.

Speroni’s future appeared uncertain while he was frequently left out of the team last season. He equalled John Jackson’s club record of making 388 appearances in all competitions in their final league fixture, a 4-1 defeat at Southampton, before signing a one-year contract extension last month.

According to Pardew, however, Gayle also agreed a new contract before the end of last season, so there is little guarantee fans’ favourite Speroni will remain at Selhurst Park.

The promising McCarthy arrived on a four-year contract last summer from QPR, though Pardew may be willing to allow him to leave on loan, as he was in January.

Discussing Mandanda’s arrival, club chairman Steve Parish said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to bring Steve into the club. He brings a wealth of experience at both club and international level to us, and boasts a proven track record when it comes to winning trophies.

“I’m sure the Palace fans will enjoy watching him in action for us over the next few years.”