Patrick Vieira makes Crystal Palace transfer statement on Chris Richards after Leeds United test

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. When you look at the number of teams that were behind him and he decided to come to us, I think this is a really strong statement," Vieira said, speaking after seeing his Palace side draw 1-1 with Premier League rivals Leeds United in a pre-season friendly in Australia.

“He’s going to give us different options at the back and competitiveness between players. I’m really pleased that an important player like that decided to come to Palace."

It is understood that several other clubs were interested in signing Richards, with Palace's top flight rivals Southampton among the sides linked, along with several teams from the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim, where he spent last season on loan, were one of those, but it seems that Palace have now won the race, with Richards set to become the Eagles' fourth summer signing after goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, winger Malcolm