Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is still surprised that the Eagles were able to sign France international keeper Steve Mandanda in the summer.

The former Marseille captain was available on a free after his contract at the Ligue 1 side expired at the end of last season and Palace swooped on the first day of the transfer window, agreeing a three year deal at Selhurst Park.

Pardew told the Guardian: "I can't believe we got a free run at him: he's a France international; he's been in Ligue 1's equivalent of the PFA team of the year five times; he was captain of Marseille, a legend in the eyes of their fans. There is no mystery to this player.

"I told the chairman: 'This guy will force us to play. Even if one or two of our players are a bit tentative and might not show for the ball, he'll give it to them anyway. So they'd best be ready.' His distribution has changed the way we play."