Crystal Palace see off Leeds United and Ipswich Town competition to land Irish youngster

Crystal Palace have seen off competition from elsewhere to complete the signing of Irish youngster Cormac Austin from Linfield.

The Eagles have announced the addition on their official club website this afternoon.

Austin, 16, has been ‘tracked’ by Leeds United and Ipswich Town this summer, as reported by Belfast Live, but has now put pen-to-paper at Selhurst Park as he looks forward to the next chapter of his career.

Crystal Palace new boy

Austin has penned a three-year contract with Palace.

The midfielder will initially link up with the club’s U18s side and will be a name to keep an eye out for in the future.

He has risen up through the academy at Linfield and made his debut for them last season.

The Northern Ireland youth international has said: “To be here now, I can’t put it into words. It’s phenomenal, I can’t wait to get started.”

Crystal Palace Academy Director Gary Issott has said: “Cormac joins an exciting Under-18 group that we currently have and will be a strong addition to the side. We wish him a warm welcome, and all the very best of luck for his time with us.”

Other news

The Eagles’ first-team are back in action tomorrow against Manchester United in Brisbane, Australia, in a game that will give Viera another chance to take a look at his squad.

They lost 2-0 to Liverpool in Singapore last week and have taken a host of youngsters on the trip with them including Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Killian Phillips.

New acquisition Austin will be looking to follow in their footsteps over the next few years.