Johnson commits to Palace

Andrew Johnson has ended speculation about his immediate future by signing a new five-year contract with Crystal Palace.

In June the England striker handed in a transfer request after the club’s relegation from the Barclays Premiership, stating he needed to move to strengthen his claims for a World Cup place next year.

However, club chairman Simon Jordan refused to let his prize asset leave - despite reported interest from a number of Premiership teams – and he has been rewarded for standing firm by Johnson’s decision to stay at Selhurst Park.

Johnson only signed a five-year contract last summer but that did not prevent speculation about his future growing throughout the season as he scored regularly in the top flight.