Steve Parish reacts to four new Crystal Palace player contracts amid Cheikhou Kouyate talks

Steve Parish says tying down James McArthur, Nathaniel Clyne, James Tomkins, and Jordan Ayew to fresh contracts was of “pivotal importance” to ensure the Crystal Palace playing squad kept its fine balance of youth and experience.

The quartet of players have all put pen to paper on new one-year deals at Selhurst Park that will keep them at the club until at least the summer of 2023. Together, the group have amassed a total of 677 Palace appearances, with McArthur leading the way with 249 outings in red and blue, followed by academy graduate Clyne (171), Ayew (133) and Tomkins (124).

All four players are now over the age of 30 but still have plenty to offer Patrick Vieira and the team. McArthur’s presence in midfield was especially important when he was fit and available to play last season, while Ayew has become a favourite of Vieira for his hard work following his 31 league appearances, often starting Palace’s biggest games.

Clyne has also enjoyed a strong season, usurping Joel Ward at right-back during the second half of the campaign initially due to injury before keeping his spot down to form. Tomkins had the least game time of the group while playing backup to Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi though he remains capable at this level and is a suitable option from the bench should he be called upon.

"It remains of pivotal importance to get the right balance of youth and experience in any Premier League squad, and I'm delighted that we've been able to ensure that these long-standing and experienced players in Jordan, Nathaniel, James and James remain with us for the upcoming campaign," said Parish. "Each of them played an enormous role in the progress we've all enjoyed in the last year, and we very much expect similar