Crystal Palace close in on loan deal for goalkeeper Lucas Perri as he travels to London for medical

Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri was due to arrive in Rome today to get an Italian ID card that will give him the green light to move to Crystal Palace.

The 21-year-old flew from Brazil ahead of his loan switch from Sao Paulo. Perri (right) has Italian citizenship, which means he will not be subjected to the same work permit criteria as a non-European player.

It is expected to take three or four days for his card application to be processed but in the meantime Perri hopes to travel to London for a medical at Palace later this week. His loan move is then expected to be finalised next week, with an option to buy in the summer.

Clubs are free to sign any players from countries in the European Economic Area but strict rules govern the players they are able to sign from outside that.

Palace have been scouting Perri since last year but they have been forced to accelerate their move to provide cover for the injured Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey.

Palace will have an option to buy him on a permanent basis in the summer.