Crystal Palace sign Nigeria-eligible teenage striker Franco Umeh from Cork City

ENGLISH Premier League side Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Nigeria-eligible teenage striker Franco Umeh who just agreed to a two-and-a-half year contract with the club that will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2025.

Umeh, 18, joins Palace from League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City, for whom he debuted at the tender age of 17. he went on to make  two further appearances for Cork City's first team before he was signed up by The Eagles, who have sent him to their U18 side coached by Rob Quinn.

Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed, Cork City confirmed that they will also be rewarded financially if Umeh makes a certain number of appearances for Palace and the Irish or Nigerian national team. Described as a tall, exciting, attacking player with blistering pace and a strong left-foot, Umeh has represented the Republic of Ireland at U17, U18 and U19 levels.

Umeh said: "I can't put it into words. I’m full of joy, it’s such a precious and priceless moment. The hard work starts now, I think we’re really going to step on the gas pedal. I feel like Palace has the coaches and the facilities to develop my game to an even better level."

Having already represented Ireland at youth level, Umeh will have to do a switch through global footballing body Fifa if he wants to play for the Super Eagles. At Palace, Umeh will surrounded by compatriots Ebere Eze, Michael Olise, Malcolm Ebiowei and goalkeeper Owen Goodman, although none of them is yet to play for Nigeria.