Crystal Palace dealt blow in pursuit of attacker as development emerges

Crystal Palace-linked Pharrell Willis has penned a new contract at Middlesbrough. The youngster has been tied down to a fresh deal amid reported interest from elsewhere.

Patrick Viera’s side have been credited with an interest in the attacker in a report by TEAMtalk. Fellow Premier League side West Ham were also mentioned, as were Championship outfit QPR.

Willis, 19, has spoken about his extenstion to Boro’s official website: “It’s a great feeling. I’ve been here for three years and completed my scholarship here. I signed my first professional contract in August. I just kicked on and had a great start to the season. The new gaffer came in and gave me an opportunity and I’ve taken it. It’s a proud moment.”

The London-born youngster has been on the books at the Riverside Stadium since 2019 and has since worked his way into their senior team. He has made one appearance so far this term and will now be looking to kick on under new manager Michael Carrick.

Crystal Palace will have to look elsewhere for potential additions now. The January transfer window opens in a couple of months and Viera has the opportunity to bolster his ranks ahead of the second-half of the campaign.

The Eagles are in action today against Nottingham Forest away as they look to build on their away win at West Ham last time out. They then have a break for the World Cup before their next league clash on 26th December against Fulham.