The Socceroo will move for seven figures from Championship rivals Bristol City.

Palace boss Neil Warnock says it was a case of spot-on timing but that he was confident of the deal once hearing counterpart Gary Johnson was willing to sell the midfielder.

He told the Croydon Advertiser: "It looked like we were going to lose Ben Watson and I have been impressed with Nick when we played against him. We man-marked him to stop him from playing at Ashton Gate.

"We found out that Gary might sell him as his son was fit again and I knew that they needed money for strikers. It was a case of being in the right place at he right time really.

"I'm absolutely delighted with it. I think he is someone who we have needed.

"I think the fans will like him and he will compliment what we have already got. He can see a pass and has some good legs on him."