Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish reveals desire to help Derby in Luke Plange deal after Eagles’ plight

Palace signed Plange in a £1million deal late on deadline day but the 19-year-old striker will stay at Derby to help their fight for survival in the Championship.

Derby are in administration and could go out of business due to their financial troubles.

Palace themselves were in administration 12 years ago before Parish and his CPFC2010 consortium saved the club from liquidation. And Parish has outlined why Palace were determined to ensure the Plange deal suited both clubs.

Parish said: “Luke is an exceptionally talented young footballer and one we hope will bring a range of attributes to the club in the years to come.

“But first, he has an important role to fulfil playing at Derby, and we appreciate his significance to them in their current circumstances.

“It is less than 12 years ago that our club was in a similar situation - as a result we were determined to ensure both clubs benefit through this deal.

“Therefore Luke will return on loan for the remainder of the season and help Derby with their important battles on and off the pitch.

“I look forward to seeing Luke compete in Palace colours soon, and until then enjoy the performances he continues to give for Derby.”

Plange has flourished under Wayne Rooney in recent months after making his debut at the start of December, and scored his third goal in six Championship starts as Derby rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw against Birmingham on Sunday. He has signed a four-year contract until 2025 at Selhurst Park.