July 23 2008

Jose Fonte

Crystal Palace have made a double transfer swoop with the signing of Jose Fonte and Simon Thomas.

Defender Fonte had completed a season loan from Benfica and impressed manager Neil Warnock enough to make his stay permanent.

The Portuguese player joins for an undisclosed fee and pens a three-year contract.

Simon Thomas is a striker from Ryman Premier Division side Borehamwood Town and signs for a nominal fee.

He netted 33 goals in 71 appearances and signs a two-year contract.

He scored in Palace's 4-3 friendly win over Aldershot Town last week and Palace beat off Southampton, Watford and Colchester to land his services.

As part of the transfer, Palace have agreed to play Borehamwood in a friendly next summer.