‘Medical in place’: Romano claims Crystal Palace on verge of ‘formidable’ signing

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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Chris Richards to Crystal Palace state of play.

The Eagles are closing in on the Bayern Munich defender, having reportedly agreed a deal on Wednesday.

According to BBC Sport, Palace have agreed a fee of €10m (£8.5m) plus €3 (£2.5m) in add-ons for Richards.

Romano, taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, claimed the 22-year-old had also agreed personal terms with Palace.

The transfer insider shared comments made by Bayern director Oliver Kahn, who said a deal is now “in progress”.

But Romano did stress that negotiations are “already completed”, and that a medical for Richards is now “in place”.

Richards has been with Bayern since 2018, when he joined on an initial loan deal from FC Dallas.

The Bundesliga giants then made the deal permanent in January 2019.

Richards has made five senior appearances for Bayern and has won eight caps for the United States national team.

The American also spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim, making 30 Bundesliga appearances.

“Equal efficiency at right- and centre-back”

The Bundesliga website has compared Richards’ style of play to that of Jerome Boateng.

“A self-confessed fan of his now Bayern stablemate Jerome Boateng, Richards does share a few similar traits with the (then) six-time Bundesliga champion,” they wrote two years ago.

“Both are quick given their formidable frames, while Richards’ reading of the game has impressed.

“He may not have the heat-seeking long-ball accuracy that Boateng boasts, but early signs are that Richards is on the right track.

“Much like Boateng in his early days, the American can operate with equal efficiency at right- and centre-back.”

Richards would become Patrick Vieira’s fourth signing of the summer after Sam Johnstone, Malcolm Ebiowei and Cheick Doucoure.