The Millers sign Crystal Palace youngster Zeki Fryers on loan...
Rotherham United have completed the signing of Zeki Fryers on loan from Crystal Palace, subject to Football League and Football Association ratification.
The 22-year-old has penned a loan deal with the Millers today, and trained with the club for the first time this morning. He has been included in Steve Evans’ squad for the game with league leaders AFC Bournemouth at AESSEAL New York Stadium tomorrow along with fellow new recruit Conor Sammon.
After starting his career with Manchester United the versatile defender switched to Belgium signing for Standard Liege in 2012. He moved back to England in 2013 with Tottenham Hotspur before signing for Palace in September last year for an undisclosed fee.
“Zeki is a young man that first came to my attention when he was simply outstanding as a youngster at Manchester United,” boss Steve Evans told www.themillers.co.uk
“I watched his progress as he moved out to Belgium but was quickly back in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. The kid then went on to play a number of first team matches at White Hart Lane both in the Premier League and the Europa League which in turn allowed fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace to pay a substantial fee for his services.
“The lad has had a limited time in the first-team this season and came to our attention last week when he turned down a couple of opportunities to join fellow Championship clubs. After a number of conversations with Alan Pardew and Keith Millen at Crystal Palace I was delighted to get permission to speak to the lad with a view to bringing him here on loan, initially on a short-term basis, but perhaps if it suits all parties extending that further.
“Zeki will train with the group this morning and will be included in the 18, if not the starting 11, for tomorrow’s match with AFC Bournemouth.”
Fryers has represented England at under 16, 17 and 19 levels and has played once for Palace in the Premier League this season.