Neil Warnock has praised new signing Freddie Sears for honouring his word and joining Crystal Palace despite late interest from Queens Park Rangers.

The R's tried to hijack the deal after Sears and Warnock shook hands on him coming to Selhurst Park, but the 19-year-old West Ham United striker stuck to his word and will now join the club on a season-long loan.

The Eagles also beat off competition from Peterborough United and Sheffield Wednesday for his signature and Warnock was ecstatic to get the England U20 international on board.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have him," said Warnock.

"We were in for him as soon as Zola said he was available and there were a lot of good clubs after him.

"Even after he shook my hand QPR came in for him but he gave me his word and he stuck to it, which can be rare these days.

"It's great to get him for a year as well as he is a nice young lad who wants to play football, he is like how I remember footballers."

Sears follows Charlton's Darren Ambrose is committing himself to Crystal Palace as Warnock continues to bolster his frontline.

In the last week he has also been linked with Leroy Lita, Andy Gray and Danny Webber, with the latter telling Skysports Palace was one of his preferred destinations following his release by Sheffield United.

"I think they are just trying to get some business," said Warnock of Webber's comments.

"I have not spoken to his guys for months.

"I do want another striker though, a big lad.

"A lot of people are mentioned and I wouldn't write anybody off."