Joel Ward is set to leave Crystal Palace this summer so should Newcastle and West Ham, who are both targeting a right-back, take a closer look?
After six years at the club, the Guardian reports that Joel Ward is set to leave Crystal Palace this summer when his contract expires.
Ward joined the Eagles from Portsmouth in 2012 and helped them earn promotion from the Championship that first season. The right-back has played 205 times for the South London club in all competitions to date.
Where next?
Well there are two other Premier League clubs actively seeking recruitment in the 28-year-old’s position in Newcastle United and West Ham United.
According to the Chronicle, Jesus Gamez is set to leave St James’ Park at the end of the current campaign and while DeAndre Yedlin has emerged as first choice under manager Rafa Benitez, the Spaniard wants competition for the United States international.
Meanwhile, a report in the Sun states that the Hammers are interested in another free agent in Ryan Fredericks – who could leave Fulham when his current deal at Craven Cottage runs out.
However, West Ham face competition for Fredericks with Palace themselves interested, along with fellow London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur and therefore they may not win the race for the 25-year-old’s signature.
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