CRYSTAL Palace are set to confirm the signings of Anthony Gardner and Antonio Pedroza today.

The Eagles were desperate to snap up Gardner after his successful loan spell last season, but the former Hull City defender took time out over the summer to trial out at Championship clubs Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City.

Now it seems the towering centre-half is ready to fully commit to the Londoners and re-form his partnership with captain Paddy McCarthy in defence.

Palace boss Dougie Freedman claims he is “98 per cent” sure the deal will be completed by today but admits it may take some time before the defender can play.

He said: “Anthony Gardner will hopefully sign for us in the morning, that's 98 per cent done.

“He is the right character and player to come in.

“I know he has still got offers from other clubs, that's why I say 98 per cent.

“You never say never, but I think we have got him in a place now where he is treated with the respect he deserves.

"He is behind on his fitness, though, so I reckon he won't be with us until after the August break, around the Blackpool game, so over the next few weeks he will be doing fitness."

Pedroza is also expected to complete his move as well today after the Eagles agreed a deal with his Mexican club Jaguares following the 20-year-old's trial period in SE25.

Freedman said: “I hope to have some good news in the morning with Pedroza.

“Because of the situation with the Mexican club and dealing with them through emails, it has taken longer than it should have and also because he is injured at the moment as well.

“But he has very small feet and he will be decent for us.”

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