Crystal Palace have announced the signing of young South African defender Nikola Tavares, who joins the club on a permanent deal.

The 18-year-old defender has signed a deal to join the Eagles on a permanent basis and will now join up with Richard Shaw’s U23 side.

Tavares has impressed for the club’s U18’s and U23 sides while on trial and made 10 appearances this season before securing a contract.

The former Croatia U18 international was most recently with Brentford’s academy and has also represented South African side Hellenic.

Meanwhile, joining him at the Eagles, is England U20 midfielder Nya Kirby, who has put pen to paper for his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old has made five appearances in midfield for the Eagles’ development team so far this season and was most recently on the books at Tottenham Hotspur, before joining Palace at the beginning of the current campaign.

Image: Crystal Palace website