Patrick Vieira says the signing of Chris Richards from Bayern Munich will be a "really strong statement" for Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old defender is expected to join Vieira's side from the Bundesliga giants, with the USA international reported to have a "verbal agreement" over a move to join the Eagles, according to Sky Germany.
It is understood that he has travelled to London for a medical, with the final details of the deal now being worked out, before Richards will be presented as a Palace player.
And ahead of confirmation of his move to south London, Palace boss Vieira has been speaking about what the defender will bring to the Eagles and why he feels that the deal, which is reportedly worth an initial £10million but could rise to £17million with add-ons, is important for them in the transfer market. “I think we showed (with this deal) that we can attract players.