Crystal Palace have fended off interest from Southampton to sign defender Joel Ward with the player penning a new three-year contract.
The defender arrived at Palace from former club Portsmouth in 2012, and has now agreed terms with the Eagles until at least 2018.
The Saints were suggested to be keen on a summer move for the defender, with reports showing Nathaniel Clyne close to an exit, who himself has attracted attention from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United.
But now the 25-year-old looks likely to stay at Selhurst Park, with Alan Pardew’s side all but certain of securing their spot in the Premier League next season.
Crystal Palace are currently in eleventh in the Barclays Premier League having accumulated 42 points, with Southampton in sixth on 56 points.