Palace agree £26m deal for Villarreal winger Pino

Crystal Palace has reached an agreement in principle with Villarreal to sign Spanish winger Yeremy Pino in a deal worth up to 26 million pounds.

The 22-year-old is understood to be open to a move to Selhurst Park and is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days. Although Pino has a 69 million-pound release clause, Villarreal has accepted Palace's offer with less than two years remaining on his current contract.

Palace accelerated their pursuit of Pino following the departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in a 60 million-pound transfer last week. Eze, 27, was central to the club's success last season, producing 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances as the Eagles lifted the FA Cup - their first major trophy.

After Palace's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend, manager Oliver Glasner said he was "very confident" of strengthening his squad before Monday's transfer deadline, despite what has so far been a quiet summer.

The South London side has made just two additions: goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who arrived on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven, and defender Borna Sosa, signed from Ajax. Palace is also pursuing Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, with the 30-year-old Switzerland international valued at 15 million pounds.