Crystal Palace signing Alexander Sorloth admits he grew up idolising Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

The striker arrived last night from FC Midtjylland.

"As a kid Didier Drogba was my favourite player as a striker. Big, strong and fast and he could finish," said Sorloth.

When asked though if he was similar to the former Chelsea striker the new boy in SE25 was quick to stress that it is now his turn to show the Palace fans what qualities he has.

"I don't know about that, I have to show it first."

Meanwhile, Palace attacker Freddie Ladapo has joined League One side Southend United for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old striker joined the Eagles following a prolific stint with non-league side Margate in 2016 and enjoyed two goalscoring loan spells in the Football League with Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town.