The production belt at Crystal Palace’s acclaimed academy has spawned another offspring after Reise Allassani committed his future to the club.

The 16-year-old ignored the interest of a host of Premier League clubs to sign a two-and-a-half year professional contract with the Eagles – the biggest they have ever offered an academy graduate – that will come into effect when he turns 17 on January 3 next year.

He is latest talented youngster to set Eagles’ fans’ tongues wagging, following in the footsteps of John Bostock, Victor Moses, Nathaniel Clyne, Sean Scannell, Wilfried Zaha and Jonathan Williams – the 18-year-old who only broke into the first team this year.

“It is fantastic news for the club,” said academy manager Gary Issott.

“We are very proud of him and he is someone we are hoping will go on and do great things for the club.

“He is a very good technical player with a good first touch, great dribbler and a clever mind.

“He had an opportunity to look elsewhere at other clubs and we had a number of Premier League club that bid for him.

“But, in the end, he has seen the progression path here and, with the players we have produced, it is a great opportunity for him to start his professional career.”

Allassani is currently in Madrid and due to play for England U16s against Spain today and is likely to go to the Montaigu Tournament, an international U16 competition won by England in three of the last four seasons, in France in April.

The Bromley-born attacking midfielder has also represented the Republic of Ireland at U15 level and Issott revealed first-team manager Dougie Freedman played a key role in keeping Allassani at the club.

“The manager met the parents and the player and was a big influence on Reise staying here,” he added.

“The players here are so close to that first team.

“The manager often comes to see them train, watches games and, if the players are good enough, there is then an opportunity to train and play in the first team squad.”

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