September 8 2010

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed Everton striker JAMES VAUGHAN on a three-month loan deal.

The 22-year-old is available for selection for Palace's trip to Reading and will wear the number nine shirt.

Eagles boss George Burley said: "It’s no secret we have been looking for a striker and I think JAMES could be the answer. He will be the final player we bring in, after this deal we will work with what we’ve got.

"JAMES is quick, strong and aggressive and he's got that little bit of experience under his belt. I think he is looking for a new challenge."

VAUGHAN will provide competition for fellow frontmen Pablo Counago and Jonathan Obika who have also arrived on loan from Ipswich and Tottenham respectively.

He came up through the ranks at Everton, making his first team bow at the age of 16 against Palace on April 10, 2005, to become the club's youngest debutant and scorer in their 4-0 win.

A knee ligament injury, dislocated shoulder and further knee problems have been setbacks for his development.

But he went on loan to Derby in September 2009 and Leicester City in March this year, helping the Foxes reach the play-offs.