Crystal Palace agree Matheus Franca deal

Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian youngster Matheus Franca from Flamengo.

The Eagles will pay an initial fee of £17million with a further £9m in add-ons for the attacker.

Franca can play anywhere across the front three and was also being chased by Chelsea and Newcastle.

Palace were in the market for a wide player after Wilfried Zaha turned down a club-record contract offer of £200,000 a week to sign with Galatasaray.

The 19-year-old has made 54 appearances and scored nine goals for Flamengo’s first team. He has also been capped by Brazil at U16, U17 and U20 level.

Franca is set to head to South London this week to complete his medical before penning a deal at Selhurst Park.

Palace kick off their Premier League campaign on August 12 at Sheffield United.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD