Crystal Palace have agreed on a fee with Larne FC to sign defender Kofi Balmer, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Balmer profiled

Balmer is 21 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also play as a full-back when required.

The Northern Ireland U21 international made the move to Larne last year from Ballymena and has made 43 appearances for his current employers.

Valued at £135,000 by Transfermarkt, Balmer is into the final two years of his Larne contract, and it looks as if he will become Palace’s fifth signing of the summer.

The Latest: Fee agreed

Sky Sports stated on their live transfer blog in the last 24 hours (August 2, 12:30) that Palace have agreed on a fee with Larne to sign Balmer.

They added that the player is now ‘finalising terms’ over a move to Selhurst Park.

The Verdict: Interesting

Former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan has recently claimed that Balmer's potential transfer to Palace is a 'brilliant move', and it’ll be interesting to see how much he features under Patrick Vieira.

The Eagles recently brought in versatile defender Chris Richards, who like Balmer, can play as a centre-back or as a right-back. Vieira is still short at left-back with Tyrick Mitchell the only senior option, so Balmer will be able to provide cover in that department.

He may have to remain patient for an opportunity, though, and could even feature for the U21s, but it looks as if it will be a low-risk move when it comes to finances involved.