Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has dipped into the transfer market for the first time this summer and signed defender Patrick McCarthy from Charlton Athletic.

The 6ft 2" 25-year-old centre back has joined on a three-year deal for £500,000 from Palace's south London rivals, and Warnock was delighted to get his man.

He said: "I'm ever so pleased. I have been after him for about five years so I'm delighted.

"I tried to sign him at Sheffield United twice but couldn't afford him, but this is a good price.

"He's a leader and that's what we wanted. Somebody to replace to Mark Hudson.

"He's a solid defender and I think I can make him a better player and he will enjoy playing for us."

Warnock added it was a bit early for him to say whether McCarthy, who used to skipper Leicester City, would be captain next season following Hudson's departure and that he would wait until pre-season to make a decision on his new skipper.

McCarthy signed for Charlton from Leicester City last season and made 31 appearances, scoring twice.

Warnock also admitted to still being in discussions with Jose Fonte over a permanent move to Selhurst Park.

He said: "We are speaking to Fonte's agent all the time but it's probably another week on that."