Palace agree Sears deal

Hammers striker to spend season on loan at Selhurst Park

Last updated: 20th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Palace agree Sears deal

Sears: Joining Palace

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Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Freddie Sears on a season-long loan deal from West Ham United.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is keen for the teenage striker to gain greater first-team experience next season and a clutch of Championship clubs had shown an interest.

Sheffield Wednesday and Championship new boys Peterborough United were among the teams to have made an approach for the 19-year-old.

However, Palace have now confirmed that Sears, who failed to score in 22 appearances last term, will spend the campaign on loan at Selhurst Park.

Savio patience

Meanwhile, Zola is hoping that another young striker - Savio Nsereko - can make an impact at Upton Park next season after struggling since his arrival from Brescia in January.

"Savio is a boy who came from a totally different league with a lower standard so had a few problems at the beginning trying to establish himself," Zola told the club's official website.

"He was used to playing at a very low rhythm, so he had time on the ball and would get two or three seconds before someone was going to challenge.

"In the Premier League it is totally different, you don't have the ball and already someone is challenging you - but he is catching up. He is only 19.

"He is a player that I believe is going to give satisfaction to the supporters. We need to be patient with him because he needs to adapt. He has got quality and believe me is going to be an important player."