De Boer dismisses reports of Ward leaving
Joel Ward was linked with a move to West Brom last week.
The former Portsmouth man has been the subject of much speculation in recent times, with Frank de Boer’s system causing his first-team chances to be limited near the tail-end of pre-season.
However, the new Eagles boss was quick to deny reports suggesting that he would welcome offers for the right-back, and insisted that he is full of admiration and respect for his player.
West Brom are keen to land a new full-back this summer and given Ward’s versatility, he is reportedly of interest to Tony Pulis.
Despite this though, De Boer clearly values him and sees him as an important aspect of his plans going forward at Palace.
Speaking to the Croydon Advertiser, as cited by the Birmingham Mail, after Palace’s embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Huddersfield on Saturday, De Boer provided assurances over Ward’s future:
Joel Ward is an example for a club like Crystal Palace. He always gives 200 per cent and every manager wants that type of player in the squad.
De Boer and Ward alike will be hoping to secure their first win of the season against Liverpool this weekend.