Crystal Palace hopeful of signing defender Fonte from Benfica

Crystal Palace have beaten a number of other English clubs to the signature of Benfica's Jose Fonte.  

The former Portugal Under-21 central defender spent last season at Selhurst Park on loan, and manager Neil Warnock has chosen to make the deal permanent.

The 24-year-old, who played 26 games for the Eagles and scored a winner against Stoke City, has moved for £480,000 having signed a three-year deal.

Fonte had failed to persuade new Benfica coach Quique Sanchez Flores to keep him in Portugal, although Palace had to move quickly to secure the transfer with other bids having been lodged.