Rangers close in on Watson

Ben Watson is a step closer to joining Queens Park Rangers after Simon Jordan admitted defeat in keeping the young central midfielder.

'Ben Watson has been with the club for a long time,' Jordan said.

'He has a year left on his contract and we want compensation because he is under 24."

'The prospect of Ben Watson leaving is a real one because Ben does want to leave and realistically speaking we are in discussion with a number of clubs for him to leave."

The recent signing of Bristol City`s Nick Carle will act as replacement for the outgoing Watson, a player who Jordan rates highly.

'But we have signed a fantastic player from Bristol City, an Australian kid called Nick Carle, who in our opinion is one of the best midfielders in the division."

Watson broke into the Crystal Palace side aged 17 making his debut in a 1-0 home defeat to Watford, whilst his first goal came the following season at the New Den in a South London derby against Millwall.

Since then Watson has made 151 league appearances, scoring 13 goals for the Eagles. He was voted Crystal Palace`s young player of the year in 2007.

He also has Under-21 international honours, making two appearances for England Under 21`s.

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