Eagles swoop for Greek international

Crystal Palace have signed Greece international midfielder Vassilios Lakis on a one-year deal.

The 28-year-old joined the Eagles as a free agent having previously played for AEK Athens. He was a member of his country’s victorious Euro 2004 squad, making two substitute appearances at the finals in Portugal.

Palace manager Iain Dowie told the club’s official website, www.cpfc.co.uk: “We are delighted to sign a player of Vassilios’ quality.

“Subject to international clearance he will go straight into the squad for Monday night’s game against Fulham.”

Lakis was an ever-present in AEK Athens’ 2002-03 Champions League campaign and scored 37 goals in 149 appearances for the club.