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Crystal Palace beat Stoke to Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi with fee agreed

Bruno Martins Indi was expected to return to Stoke on a permanent deal but Palace swooped in to secure the Dutchman

CRYSTAL PALACE reportedly agreed a deal to sign Bruno Martins Indi, according to reports.

The signing shut down Stoke's chances after they were expected to nab the Porto defender who had spent that past season on loan with the Potters.

 Crystal Palace have agreed to a deal to sign Bruno Martins Indi
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Crystal Palace have agreed to a deal to sign Bruno Martins IndiCredit: PA:Press Association
 Martins Indi was expected to sign with Stoke after spending last season on loan with the club
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Martins Indi was expected to sign with Stoke after spending last season on loan with the clubCredit: Reuters

Frank de Boer was looking for a replacement for Mamadou Sako who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and Martins Indi has fit that bill, according to

His move to Selhurst Park will go ahead once personal terms have been agreed and he passes a medical.

Stoke wanted to sign the Dutchman permanently but their option to sign him expired on July 1.

He was a familiar face on Mark Huges side, playing in 35 of the 38 Premier League games, scoring one goal.

High wages and his price tag reportedly prevented a deal being made and sent Martins Indi back to Portugal.

He had one year left on his contract with Porto.

 Martins Indi appeared in 35 Premier League games last season while on loan at Stoke
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Martins Indi appeared in 35 Premier League games last season while on loan at StokeCredit: Reuters
 Dutchman Martins Indi has had 34 international caps with two goals
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Dutchman Martins Indi has had 34 international caps with two goalsCredit: Reuters

In London, Martins Indi will join fellow Dutchman de Boer as well as defender Patrick van Aanholt.

Although de Boer spent time as an assistant manager on the Dutch side, the pair never crossed paths.

The 25-year-old has made 34 appearances for the Netherlands and scored two goals.


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