Alan Pardew pays tribute to "quality" Emmanuel Adebayor

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has claimed that Emmanuel Adebayor could become the club's best-ever player.

The Togo forward moved to Palace on a performance-based deal last week, which will run until the end of the season.

Pardew has claimed that the 31-year-old, who had been without a club since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in September, has "trained hard" this week and could make his debut against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

"It's fantastic for the football club. He's really trained hard and well this week. His quality, his contributions to training and his presence [have lifted the dressing room]. It's hard to put your finger on it. He looks terrific," Pardew told reporters.

"If I was a Palace fan I'd be absolutely overjoyed because if we get him anywhere near his best, this player is of a level above most players to have ever played for this football club."

Adebayor has represented the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid during a well-travelled career.