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Connor Wickham signs for Crystal Palace from Sunderland

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has signed for Crystal Palace on a five-year deal.

Wickham, 22, struggled for a regular role at the Stadium of Light since signing from Ipswich Town for £8 million in 2011, but signed a new four-year deal in December.

Reports suggested that Palace manager Alan Pardew has paid around £10 million for the young striker who helped England win the UEFA European under-17 Championships in 2010 where he was also named Player of the Tournament.

"I spoke to the gaffer last week and he said all the right things about the club and I've got friends here who also told me some very good things," Wickham told the club website.

"I looked at the team before I arrived here and the signings that have been brought in, and the potential to score goals and the chances that could be created was a massive influence. Hopefully I can add to that talent and make the squad stronger.

"I think I needed the fresh start, I had four years up north and it's been a bit stop-start. Now I've come back home and I can settle down and see my family a bit more and hopefully let my football do the talking."

Wickham spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United during his time with Sunderland, scoring eight times in 11 outings for Wednesday.