August 1 2018

Cheikhou Kouyate (Photo: Official Palace website)

Crystal Palace have secured the signing of midfielder CHEIKHOU KOUYATE on a four-year deal.

The Senegalese international, 28, joins from West Ham where he made 129 appearances over four seasons, and scored 12 goals.

KOUYATE, who cost £9.5m, told the Palace website: "I'm so happy. It's been a long day but now everything is good and I'm very excited to start with my new teammates.

"This is the right time to move because I needed a new challenge. I have good memories of West Ham but I need to come here and give my best because I like the Crystal Palace project.

"I spoke to the manager and I know he'll be a good manager. I also spoke to Pape Souare yesterday and he told me I had to come and now I'm here and I'm very happy."