EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace closing in on first signing under Oliver Glasner with Eagles on the verge of reaching agreement to sign versatile Premier League star on a free this summer

Crystal Palace are reportedly closing in on their first signing of the Oliver Glasner era as they look to land a free agent ahead of the new season.

The arrival of the Austrian manager at Selhurst Park has coincided with a major upturn in form and performances.

The Eagles have strung together four games without defeat for the first time since April 2023, and have pulled well clear of any potential relegation trouble in the Premier League, with 10 points gained in recent weeks taking Palace to 40 and mathematically safe for another season.

But the summer transfer window will have to back up the good work being done on the pitch, especially given the uncertainty around the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

Now, according to reports from Scotland, Crystal Palace could be about to land their first signing of what could be an exciting summer.

That comes in the form of West Ham defender Ben Johnson, who is out of contract at the London Stadium this summer and has not been offered fresh terms in east London.

The 24-year-old has been a bit-part player for David Moyes this season, making just four Premier League starts.

Part of his problem is his versatility. Though ostensibly a right-back, across his career to date he has played at left-back, across the midfield and even at centre-back, making settling in a favoured position more difficult.

Now set to leave West Ham this summer as part of wholesale changes at the London Stadium, the Daily Record reports that he is set to snub Scottish giants Rangers in favour of a move to south Londoners Palace.

It is also claimed that the defender is ‘almost certainly’ Selhurst Park-bound in what would be the first addition of Glasner’s reign, with Johnson “on the verge of committing to Palace”.

The Eagles have already added Daniel Munoz to their ranks in recent months, but remain light at full-back with Tyrick Mitchell the only recognised left-back and both Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne well into their 30s on the opposite flank.

The addition of Johnson could prove a savvy way to plug both gaps.