Eagles swoop for Hall and Kiraly

Crystal Palace have completed a double signing today.

Hungarian international goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly put pen to paper after weeks of wrangling over his personal terms, and Fitz Hall became the second new recruit at Selhurst Park when he completed a £1.5m (€2.75m) move from top-flight rivals Southampton.

Kiraly was offered a contract last month but claimed Palace then went back on their word and made him a lower offer in writing.

But the two sides have now reached an agreement, and the 28-year-old former Hertha Berlin man goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Norwich.

He told the club’s official club website, www.cpfc.co.uk: “I’ve made the most important decision of my life – that’s why I was so patient.

“Crystal Palace are a young team and hungry for success. A move to England is a dream come true for me.”

Kiraly joins countryman Sandor Torghelle in signing for the Eagles but will probably have to wait to make his debut.

He is competing with former Dundee goalkeeper Julian Speroni for a starting berth at Carrow Road, and the Scot has the edge.

Palace boss Iain Dowie said: “I didn’t want to bring a number two here, but it’s more likely Julian will play because he’s done very well.

“I want Gabor to push him very hard, and that’s what will happen. But Julian’s a terrific trainer and he’s in the box seat.”

Dowie was also linked with a swoop for Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber this summer, but he dismissed suggestions Palace were ever close to landing him.

“We’ve been linked with everyone, including Roy of the Rovers,” Dowie joked. “You can have a discussion on the phone with someone and all of a sudden it’s in the papers the next day.

“There was never really any serious intent there. To be fair he’s an established goalkeeper and he’d want to come and be guaranteed number one – and I don’t think we can do that.”

Hall underwent a medical at Selhurst Park earlier today, and the deal moved closer when Southampton accepted an offer of around £1.5m for the former Oldham player.

Now the 23-year-old central defender, nicknamed ‘One Size’, has signed a four-year deal with the south London outfit.

Dowie explained: “I’ve worked with Fitz at Oldham and I’m delighted to add him to the squad.

“Fitz can play at the back or in midfield, and I know he will be a top-class player for Crystal Palace for many years to come.”