Taylor makes first signing

Crystal Palace have made their first signing of the summer in the form of Hull City defender Leon Cort.

The former Millwall and Southend United player leaves The Tigers after just two seasons at The Kingston Communications Stadium, with Hull agreeing a fee of £1.25 million for the centre back.

The 26-year-old follows Eagles boss Peter Taylor in making the switch to Selhurst Park this summer after Hull initially rejected a previous offer of £750,000 for Cort.

The defender has signed a three-year contract with Palace, with the Southwark-born player pleased to be back home in London.

"I'm delighted because it's just 10 minutes away from my house," Cort told Palace's official website.

"It's a big move for me because I was settled at Hull, but to come back down to my family means everyone is so happy for me.

"I had some good times at Hull really, but you can't pass things like this up and when I first found out about it, I wanted to go straight away and take the opportunity.

"I just want to reward the manager and just get on with the games now."

Taylor is also keen to land Cort's brother in Wolves striker Carl, though their latest offer for the former Wimbledon and Newcastle United hit-man was rebuffed by Palace's Championship rivals.