Alan Pardew: Crystal Palace appoint Newcastle manager amid reports contract has been signed

Reports claim contract with the Eagles was signed on Friday evening

Alan Pardew watches Crystal Palace from the stands against Aston Villa (GETTY IMAGES)

Crystal Palace have reportedly appointed the former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew as their new manager.

Although not officially confirmed by the club reports claim Pardew's contract with the Eagles was signed on Friday evening after the two clubs reached agreement over compensation earlier in the week.

Crystal Palace had said earlier in the day that they were confident that Pardew would be at the helm for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Dover despite a perceived delay in his appointment as manager.

Pardew was expected to be unveiled as Neil Warnock's successor on Friday - but the details of the contract that will prise him away from Newcastle were still being finalised earlier.

Caretaker-manager Keith Millen also insisted that official confirmation of his appointment was imminent.

"They're still talking, but there are no problems. The lawyers are finalising the contract. The paperwork is taking longer than expected," Millen said earlier.

"Alan has held a staff meeting when he spoke about a number of things. He spoke to the players and then we had training.

"We're preparing for the game on Sunday and I'm sure Alan will be taking the game. He'll be taking training on Saturday. We're hopeful the deal will be done for Sunday."

Pardew will select the side to face Conference Premier side Dover and Millen insists his return to the club has captured the players' imagination.

"We've spoken about the team for Sunday's game. He's gone through the squad. He's learning about the players, but he's pleased with what he's seen. He'll pick the team," Millen said.

"Alan is excited because it's Crystal Palace and the club means a lot to him, but it's also exciting because of the group of players he's inheriting.

"There's a buzz about the place. It's exciting times and from the conversations I've had with him we'll be looking to change a few things.

"He knows what we're about and is excited because he feels he can bring another dimension to our play, certainly from an attacking point of view. We all know we need to score more goals."

Pardew has also held talks over potential targets in the transfer window.

"We've shared our thoughts with Alan. He has to assess the squad really quickly to see what we need. We've had a chat and he's spoken to the chairman," Millen said.

"He's seen the squad for the last few games, so he has a good idea of what we need, and he's in agreement with what we thought

"There's a list of targets, but I don't know how far down the road we are. There are a few positions we're looking, but it's not a massive overhaul.

"It's more two or three players to enhance what we already have. The quicker we get players through the door the better."