Crystal Palace have nearly completed the signing of goalkeeper Walter Benitez from PSV Eindhoven.
According to the BBC, the 32-year-old has already passed a medical, and the Eagles will officially announce the transfer once the final paperwork is completed.
Benitez leaves PSV after a successful three-year spell, where he played a key role in back-to-back Eredivisie title wins, including last season’s dramatic smash-and-grab triumph over rivals Ajax.
He also featured in 11 of their 12 Champions League games last season, helping the Dutch side reach the last 16 before being eliminated by Arsenal.
Benitez will provide competition and cover for first-choice keeper Dean Henderson.
With Matt Turner returning to Nottingham Forest after his loan spell, Palace want to bring in an experienced and reliable keeper to back up Henderson.
Turner is set to join Ligue 1 side Lyon after they agreed a £6.74 million deal with Forest, while third-choice Remi Matthews, who only featured once for Palace last season, has signed a new deal.
Benitez brings a wealth of experience between the sticks. Before he joined PSV, he spent six years with French club OGC Nice, making 188 appearances.
He was at the peak of his powers in 2018/19 when he was ranked among the best shot-stoppers in Europe.
Benitez has featured 134 times for PSV and leaves as an Eredivisie champion. No player racked up more minutes for the Dutch side throughout their last two title-winning campaigns.
He is a calming yet commanding presence at the back and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
He is intelligent enough to adjust his game depending on the calibre of opposition and would be a massive addition to the FA Cup winners.
