Exclusive: Former Crystal Palace Veteran Joel Ward Linked with Short-Term Oxford United Deal

Oxford United are interested in signing former Crystal Palace stalwart Joel Ward on a short-term deal, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The veteran defender left the Eagles at the end of last season after 13 years of loyal service.

And now the Championship U's are looking to offer the 35-year-old right-back the chance to prolong his career at the Kassam Stadium.

The U's are languishing in 22nd place in the standings with three defeats from their opening four league games in the second tier.

And boss Gary Rowett is looking to add experience to his squad with goals conceded already a major concern.

Ward played 13 seasons for Palace, with 12 of those in the Premier League after the club first won promotion back to the top-flight in 2013.

Since then he has played 305 Premier League matches across a respected career of 363 appearances in all competitions.

But last season the former Portsmouth and Bournemouth defender, who can also play as a centre-back and in midfield, was released by the Eagles following the expiry of his last one-year contract extension.

FITTING SEND-OFF

Last season was an especially fitting way for Ward to bow out at Selhurst Park as the club won the FA Cup at Wembley.

Their 1-0 victory over Manchester City was the club’s first-ever major trophy and a sweet moment for the long-serving defender.

Ward was a near-ever-present throughout the Eagles’ longest-ever top-flight spell, having initially joined from Pompey more than a decade ago.

Reflecting on his departure, Ward said: “It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life."

“I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family. This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a ‘see you later.”