Crystal Palace close in on Benfica winger Ola John

Posted Thursday, June 25, 2015 by Goal.com

Garry Monk missed out on the winger last summer and looked to be on the verge of sealing a deal last month, but Alan Pardew has stolen a march in the chase for the player.

Crystal Palace are close to trumping Swansea City to the signing of Benfica winger Ola John, Goal understands.

The 23-year-old looked to be heading to the Liberty Stadium, with the player's brother, Collins John, revealing in May that the Swans had made the best impression after talks.

"Some other clubs in the Premier League were interested, but Ola had the best feeling with Swansea City," the former Fulham striker told Voetbal International.

"Last season Swansea already tried to sign Ola, but the transfer failed at the very last moment. The club followed him after that in the hope of agreeing a contract with him. That moment is very close."

John has two years left on his current deal with the Portuguese giants, but they are ready to cash in on the one-time Netherlands international after a move to failed to materialise last summer.

Goal understands that Pardew has already met with John and is confident of securing his first summer addition after seeing Brede Hangeland pen a new contract and planning extension talks with James McArthur.