JOEL Ward was close to signing for Leeds United before Crystal Palace came up with more money, Eagles boss Neil Warnock has revealed.
The 65-year-old has a dilemma on where to play the defender for tomorrow's game with Burnley, with the likes of Adrian Mariappa, Martin Kelly and Zeki Fryers are vying for a starting place.
And with Joe Ledley and James McArthur in contention to partner Mile Jedinak in midfield, Ward looks set to take his place on the right or left side of the backline.
Furthermore, Warnock has been impressed with Wilfried Zaha's desire in training along with other attacking players this week.
"He's been doing extra training in the afternoon with people like Jason Puncheon, Dwight Gayle and Fraizer Campbell," said Warnock.
"They all want to learn. That's the good thing about us, we've got bundles of energy and people who want to learn.
"Joel Ward is such a great pro. He was going to sign for me at Leeds but he signed for Palace.
"I wasn't given the money to get him. I told him at least he was going to a good club."
