September 5 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed Bradford City goalkeeper MATT CLARKE for an initial fee of £1m, after he agreed personal terms.

The 27-year-old accepted a contract which will keep him at Selhurst Park until the end of the 2004/05 season, subject to a medical.

The Eagles paid £1m for the goalie, which could rise to up to £1.4m, depending on appearances and whether Palace achieve promotion to the Premiership.

Ian Elliott, CLARKE's agent, believes the keeper is keen to make a point at Selhurst Park after being dropped from the squad at Bradford.

He said: "It's all been agreed and MATT will join Crystal Palace subject to a medical, which should be a formality.

"Obviously he's very keen to start playing football again. Palace were very clear that they had a high regard for him and wanted him to start in the first team.

"He's been made very welcome at Selhurst Park. People have made mistakes about MATT before and he's coming here determined to prove a point."

The arrival of CLARKE, who could make his debut against south London rivals Millwall at Selhurst Park on Saturday, could mean the end of Alex Kolinko at the club.