Crystal Palace set to confirm new Joel Ward contract as Andros Townsend opens up on his future plans

Joel Ward File Photo
PA

Joel Ward is set to sign a new deal at Crystal Palace after his contract expired at the end of last season.

The right-back is Palace's longest-serving current player and a consistent performer under Roy Hodgson last season.

He had been expected to stay at the club, alongside Christian Benteke - who has already agreed terms - and Gary Cahill who is yet to sign.

Ward was informed of the club's intention to agree a new contract towards the end of last season but Palace were awaiting the appointment of a new manager before completing the majority of new deals.

Andros Townsend was also expected to stay on, however the 29-year-old is unlikely to sign a new deal with Palace and is hopeful of finding a new club soon.

The winger has detailed what he wants in a new club after his deal in south London expired at the end of last season.

Townsend was hopeful of staying on at Palace and has a good relationship with new manager Patrick Vieira having worked with the Frenchman for ITV during Euro 2020.

However, it is now expected that the former Tottenham and England man will not be agreeing to extend his stay with the Eagles.

In a Q&A on ITV Sport's Twitter account, Townsend detailed what he wants from a new club.

"A lot of things really," said Townsend. "At this stage of my career it has to be the right move. There has to be a clear path to game time, I have to suit the style of play and the manager has to want me.

"My family have to be happy in their new surroundings so yeah a lot of thinking goes into this move which is why I am still without a club at the beginning of July.

"Hopefully I can sort it out soon."

Vieira is currently on a pre-season training camp with his new squad at St. George’s Park, which has already been reverted back to normal having been transformed for use as England’s base during their run to the final of Euro 2020.

Nathaniel Clyne, another who is a free agent, is part of the group though his future remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Scott Dann is also unlikely to commit and is wanted by new Bournemouth manager Scott Parker.

The defender had been expected to agree a new deal with the Eagles but, like Townsend, is now set to join a new club.

Parker left Fulham last month and has agreed a three-year deal with the Cherries. The south coast club have already signed attacking midfielder Emiliano Marcondes from Brentford.

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