Crystal Palace snap up Esse from Millwall

Premier League side Crystal Palace signed promising teenage talent Romain Esse from neighbouring Championship outfit Millwall on Saturday.

The 19-year-old had scored five times in 26 appearances for the Lions this season and joins on a five-and-a-half year deal for a reported £12m ($15 million), rising to £14.5m with add-ons.

However, Esse was not registered in time to face West Ham on Saturday.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "Romain is the type of player who gets crowds off their seats - the type of player long associated with South London and Crystal Palace - and everyone at the club is looking forward to watching him shine on the pitch, and fulfil his exciting potential."

The Eagles, whose Selhurst Park ground is only eight miles (13 kilometres) from Millwall's Den, have made a habit of picking up young stars from the second tier in recent years.

Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton have developed into England internationals at Selhurst Park after moving from QPR and Blackburn respectively.

Palace sit 15th in the Premier League, eight points above the relegation.