Crystal Palace agree fee for Bayern Munich star as Vieira closes in on latest target

Crystal Palace have moved a step closer to making their fourth summer signing after agreeing an £8.5million fee for Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards.

The deal for the American international was agreed over the last 24 hours and could rise to £11million if criteria over add-ons are met over the course of his time at Selhurst Park.

The 22-year-old joins the Bundesliga giants on loan from FC Dallas in 2018 before the move was made permanent during the January 2019 transfer window.

However, he has made just ten appearances for Bayern during that time, with only five coming in Bundesliga fixtures.

That has led to two separate loan spells with Hoffenheim as the versatile defender gained valuable top tier experience by making 34 appearances for Die Kraichgauer.

Speaking to TransferMarkt about his time with Hoffenheim, he said: "It was my decision to go out on loan.

"We had five centre-backs at the time, and if I wasn't one of the first two or three, then I would have just been waiting around, and after playing for the last few months, I had to go somewhere where I was playing.

"They respected my decision, and they knew that it was the best not just for me but for them as well, as I will hopefully come back with some 30 odd games.

"All I can do now is go back next summer and give them a convincing argument as to why I should be in the starting XI.”

He returned to Bayern at the end of last season but has seen his route into the first-team further hampered by the recent arrival of Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

Richards will follow West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei and Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure in joining Palace during a hectic summer transfer window.