Millwall attacker Romain Esse will have his Crystal Palace medical on Friday ahead of completing a switch across South London.

The Eagles made the 19-year-old a priority signing this winter window and have swooped early ahead of his summer release clause to beat off competition from Premier League rivals.

Bournemouth and Newcastle were both keen on the Lambeth-born versatile creative player.

Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman was spotted watching Esse in the build up to the Januaray window.

Alex Neil left Esse out of the matchday squad for Millwall’s Monday night FA Cup clash against Dagenham & Redbridge.

The Millwall academy graduate has made 23 Championship appearances this season and picked up five goal contributions.

The Lions have negotiated a sell-on clause in the deal and will bank a club-record £14.5million fee from the move.

Palace will now look to turn their attention to a left wing-back once Esse is sealed, with a return for El Hadji Malick Diouf expected.

The 19-year-old Slavia Prague full-back can operate both in a defensive or offensive role.