Sears to join Palace on loan

Championship side Crystal Palace have signed West Ham forward Freddie Sears on a season-long loan deal.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is keen for the teenage striker to gain greater first-team experience next season, after a host of Championship clubs had shown an interest.

With the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough United having made an approach for the 19-year-old, Crystal Palace finally confirmed his signing.

The England U-20 player, who failed to score in 22 appearances last term for the Hammers, will spend his next campaign on loan at Selhurst Park.

Sears had joined West Ham as a schoolboy at the age of 11.