Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann has committed his future to the club by signing a new five year contract with the Eagles.

Last season's Player of the Year has enjoyed a successful 18 months in SE25 after his move from Blackburn Rovers in January 2014, and now he follows in the footsteps of a number of Palace players who have signed long-term deals to extend their stays at the club.

Dann said: “I'm over the moon to sign a new deal and I'm looking forward to my future here. We're all going in the right direction and hopefully we can build on last year's position.

“There was some interest from other clubs over the summer so I spoke to the chairman and the manager about their plans for the future, and after hearing what they had to say, and with all the other lads signing, I knew I was at the right club so I wanted to commit my future to Palace and aim for a top eight finish this season.

“The manager and the chairman were a big influence; the gaffer made it clear last season that there was no way I was leaving and I didn't want to. I'm delighted to get everything signed and look forward to the coming years.”

The 28-year-old becomes the latest member of Alan Pardew's squad to sign a new deal, following the likes of Julian Speroni, Brede Hangeland, Damien Delaney, Jason Puncheon and James McArthur in extending their deals over the past couple of months, and Dann admits that seeing players of the calibre of Yohan Cabaye arriving at Selhurst Park shows the desire to push the Eagles to the next level.

“We're showing a lot of ambition and we're looking to push on,” he continued. “Everyone wants to be a part of that by signing up for longer contracts. It's an exciting time for us.

“Cabaye was brilliant when he was over here playing for Newcastle and did the same at PSG. He's obviously a top player and for Palace to attract a player like that just shows where we want to be.

“Hopefully there will be a couple more signings but it's a really good start to the additions this summer and hopefully it can continue. All the lads are looking forward to welcoming him into the club.

“Pre-season has started really well, the lads have enjoyed it. We've been to St George's Park and it felt like we hadn't been away. We've been working hard getting ready and in shape for the new season, so we'll make sure we carry on from the way we finished last season.”