Crystal Palace burned off competition from Italy to sign Alfie Matthews.
Matthews, from Arsenal, was among five players announced by Palace to have been signed to their U23 squad yesterday.
And TMW says Palace saw off stiff competition from Italy to sign the youngster.
Hellas Verona and Sampdoria were also chasing the England U19 international before his commitment to the Eagles.
Matthews, 18, is an attacking midfielder.
