Crystal Palace defensive duo sign new one-year deals

Crystal Palace have confirmed that Nathaniel Clyne and James Tomkins have both signed new deals to stay at Selhurst Park for the 2023-24 season.

Academy graduate Clyne, who rejoined the club following his release from Liverpool in 2020, has featured 196 times for the Eagles across all competitions.

Experienced defender Tomkins, 34, signed from West Ham in 2016 and has made 131 appearances at Selhurst Park.

The duo were both set to be free agents at the start of July.

Chairman Steve Parish said: “Nathaniel and James are highly valued squad members based on their consistent and reliable contributions for the club over many seasons, and these extensions ensure we continue to have a balanced squad. It’s important to retain senior players such as Nathaniel, James and Joel Ward who really are part of the DNA of our football club, which will be shared with younger members of the squad as well as new players who will join us.”

Clyne said: “I’m very happy. It’s the club that I started off at and a club that I love, and I’m looking forward to another year at Crystal Palace.”

Tomkins added: “It was an easy decision to stay another year. It’s a joy to be here, and hopefully I can offer a bit of my experience next year to the younger lads.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD