CRYSTAL PALACE icon Joel Ward is on the verge of completing a move to Swansea – after being without a club since the end of last season.
The defender, 36, ended his 13-year spell at Selhurst Park when his contract expired last summer.
And BBC Sport report that Ward is set to join Swansea on a deal for the rest of the campaign.
The Welsh side are sitting eight points clear of the Championship’s relegation zone and boss Vitor Matos has been looking for defensive cover.
Ward will provide competition for Josh Key at right-back, while he could also challenge Ben Cabango, Cameron Burgess, Kaelan Casey and Ricardo Santos for a starting berth at the heart of the backline.
Swansea have won three of their last five games to alleviate fears of dropping into the third tier.
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But they are still hoping to tie up an agreement for Ward to arrive ahead of their FA Cup Third Round tie against West Brom on Sunday.
He has been on the hunt for a new club after being unemployed for six months.
Ward played for Palace more than 360 times, meaning he left Selhurst Park as their record appearance holder in the Premier League.
But the Hampshire-born fan favourite was limited to just 83 minutes of action during his final season with the Eagles.
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And that resulted in Palace chief Oliver Glasner being prepared to let him walk through the exit door.
Ward left the South Londoners on a high because he was still their club captain as they got their hands on the FA Cup last season.
Palace chairman Steve Parish paid tribute to the outgoing skipper when it was announced that his contract would not be renewed.
He said: “From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this football club.
“[He is] open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.
“Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him – in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.
“This is a great time to celebrate Joel’s achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend.
“Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.”
