Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie has welcomed the added competition that the summer signings bring to the side.

The Eagles have acquired winger Andros Townsend, defender James Tomkins and goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to their squad so far.

They have also been linked with a number of high profile forwards to bolster their attacking line, including offer £30m for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke and Diafra Sakho from West Ham.

CRYSTAL PALACE: Eagles short favourites to complete double transfer raid

TRANSFER GOSSIP: Crystal Palace prepare £30m bid for Liverpool striker Benteke

CRYSTAL PALACE: Mutch ado about getting the goals

The arrival of Townsend, who can play on either flank, means boss Alan Pardew is spoilt for choice meaning either Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon, Townsend or Bolasie will miss out on a starting berth.

However, after scoring in last night’s 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon, alongside Connor Wickham and Freddie Ladapo, Bolasie welcomed the changes, and the challenges that they bring.

“I think fresh faces are always good for the team, it will be interesting to see some of the names we’ve been linked with potentially coming in.

“There’s loads of options now, and that’s down to the gaffer to decide who goes where, but I can play behind the striker or on either flank if needed.”

He added: “In Andros and Wilf we have two wingers who have played for England so that can only be good for the club.

“I don’t think it’s harsh that we have been linked with a number of players. We have me and Wilf out wide and now Andros as well, that’s football.

“Everyone will have to knuckle down now and work hard, so that can only be good for the side at the end of the day.”

Despite a rough end to last season’s Premier League campaign, which saw Palace win just two games since the turn of the year and finish 15th, just five points above the relegation places, Bolasie insists the club still attracts big names.

He said: “We’re a club that is always on the up, and of course last season was a bit tough, but we deserve to be linked with the types of names we are being linked with.”

Surrey Comet: