August 18 2011

Antonio Pedroza

Crystal Palace have snapped up Mexican striker ANTONIO PEDROZA, with the club awaiting international clearance.

The 20-year-old has penned a three-year contract after Palace and Mexican outfit Jaguares de Chiapas agreed an undisclosed fee.

PEDROZA has trained with Chelsea and Arsenal and almost signed for Tottenham in the summer before a deal fell through and moves to Selhurst Park after completing a successful trial.

The Chester-born player, who has an English mother and a Mexican father, is reported to have attracted interest from FA scouts who want to bring him into England's development set-up.

Eagles boss Dougie Freedman said: "Because of the situation with the Mexican club and dealing with them through emails, it has taken longer than it should have and also because he is injured at the moment as well."

"He's my type of striker," added Freedman. "I'm really excited by this one. I think he could be an excellent find for us."