Freddie Ladapo to Crystal Palace: Non-League striker seals dream transfer from Margate

Non-League striker Freddie Ladapo has sealed a dream move to Crystal Palace, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Standard Sport revealed earlier on Wednesday that Palace had agreed a deal with Margate for the 23-year-old, who was playing five levels below the Premier League in the Vanarama National League South.

Ladapo impressed Alan Pardew during a two-week trial, scoring a hat-trick in an Under-21 game, and will join Palace for around £50,000 plus add-ons.

A statement released by Palace read: "Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to announce that they have signed 23 year old striker Freddie Ladapo from Margate Football Club.

"He has joined on a two and a half year contract for an undisclosed fee.

"Ladapo joined the Blues in January 2015 from Kidderminster Harriers and has scored 10 league goals this season in the clubs debut campaign in the Vanarama National League South.

"The transfer is subject to approval from The Premier League and The Football Association."

Palace will hope he can follow in the footsteps of Ian Wright, who was the same age as the forward when he joined the Eagles from non-League football.

Ladapo can move to Palace outside the transfer window but he cannot play for them this season because the date has passed to make changes to their 25-man Premier League squad.

He will be part of the first-team squad for pre-season and Pardew will then decide whether he is ready for the Premier League or to loan him out.

Ladapo, from Romford, started his career at Colchester United but struggled to make an impact in the Football League before dropping into non-League football.