Ruben Loftus-Cheek has said the chance to play close to home was a factor in his decision to join Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old South Londoner has moved to Palace from Chelsea on a season-long loan after a number of clubs had expressed an interest.
West Ham have long been keen on Loftus-Cheek, while more recently there has been interest from promoted clubs Newcastle and Brighton.
“I had the option of coming to Palace and I thought that it would be great for me,” Loftus-Cheek told the Eagles’ website.
“I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is good club so I thought it’s a good chance to play here and be a part of the team.
“They have a very strong team and I’d like to be a part of that this season.”
Loftus-Cheek moved to Selhurst Park after being told his first-team chances at Chelsea were likely to remain limited.
He played 11 times last season and has made 32 appearances for the Blues in total.
The England Under-21 international is the latest player to leave Chelsea on loan this summer.
The likes of Kasey Palmer, Tammy Abraham and Ola Aina have also been loaned out by the club, with more set to follow.