Swansea City are closing in on the signing of experienced defender Joel Ward, with the veteran set to join the Championship club on a short-term deal until the end of the season.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old has been without a club since leaving Crystal Palace last summer, bringing an end to a 13-year stay at Selhurst Park, where he established himself as a mainstay of the Eagles\u2019 Premier League<\/a> era.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n First reported by the BBC<\/a>, Ward is expected to bolster Swansea<\/a>\u2019s defensive options, with the former Palace captain capable of operating both at right-back and in central defence.<\/p>\n Head coach Vitor Matos has been keen to add competition in the right-back position, particularly with Josh Key the only recognised specialist in that role.<\/p>\n In recent weeks, midfielder Ethan Galbraith has been deployed on the right side of defence, highlighting the Swans\u2019 need for cover.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Ward\u2019s versatility could also prove useful in the centre of the back line. Ben Cabango and Cameron Burgess have been regular starters this season, while Kaelan Casey has largely filled a back-up role. Summer signing Ricardo Santos has made just one appearance from the bench.<\/p>\n The Hampshire-born defender joined Palace from Portsmouth in 2012 and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club\u2019s history.<\/p>\n He helped the Eagles secure promotion from the Championship in his first season and went on to make 364 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n