Chelsea hijacked deadline-day deal from London rivals

Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has revealed how Chelsea successfully hijacked the Eagles’ deadline-day move for defender Michael Hector.

The 23-year-old joined the Premier League champions in a £4 million move from Reading as one of two centre-halves to be recruited on the final day of the transfer window, along with Papy Djilobodji, 27.

“We had a deal for Michael Hector at Reading and that was a done deal. We thought we had that one,” Parish told Holmesdale Radio.

“Unfortunately the might of Chelsea came in and the player chose to go there. But at least we’re getting the right targets, aren’t we? Our scouting set-up must be doing the right thing.

“You don’t win them all. We live to fight another day. I’m sure he’ll do very well at Chelsea. We don’t hold any grudges. I think he supported them as a kid.”