December 27 2001

Crystal Palace

Trevor Francis has swooped to sign Manchester City left back Danny Granville for £500,000.

The 26-year-old has failed to get a regular place in the City side after Kevin Keegan changed to a 3-5-2 system.

Ironically, Francis has switched to a 4-4-2 formation at Palace and needs a quality left back for his favoured formation.

Granville was signed from Leeds for £1.2m two years ago and the Londoner is Francis’ first signing for the Eagles.

He should be signed in time for the trip to Bradford City on Saturday after completing a medical.

Keegan said: "He wants regular first team football and we've accepted Palace's offer.

"We've been playing three at the back and wing-back doesn't suit him. He's a London lad so this offer gives him the chance to go back."

He started his career at Cambridge as a trainee and moved to Chelsea in 1997 for £300,000. He moved to Leeds for £1.6m 15 months later after 26 appearances and one goal.

After only 14 appearances for Leeds, he went on loan to Man City and eventually made the move permanent in November 1999 for £1.2m.