Scott Banks says the decision to leave Dundee United to pursue his Premier League dream with Crystal Palace was a “no brainer”.
The 18-year-old completed the switch from Tannadice to Selhurst Park in a deal which is set to net the Championship leaders well in excess of the £200,000 training compensation they would have been entitled to in the summer.
Banks has signed a three-year deal with the Londoners after knocking back a new deal with United earlier in the season.
Robbie Neilson handed the attacking midfielder his top team debut off the bench in a Betfred Cup clash with Hearts in July and he went on to make a further three appearances.
But after knocking back a new deal he was frozen out with a number of top clubs south of the border interested.
Palace have won the race though and Banks said: “There’s no bigger stage I’d want to play on. It’s a big step up coming from Scotland.
“When you hear about that interest (from Crystal Palace) you want to pursue that, and push myself to the highest level.
“So it was a no brainer that this was the place for me.
The Scotland Under 19 international spent last season on loan at Clyde after coming through the ranks at Tannadice.
Sporting Director Tony Asghar said: “Everyone here wishes Scott all the best for his future career. He is someone who has developed in our Academy from an early age and we made him a good offer to remain and continue his development at United.
"It is clear that a move to an English Premier League club has proved very attractive for Scott, his family, and his representatives to turn down.
“I believe Scott has the ability to become a top talent in football and hope that he continues to develop to the level we believe he could have progressed to had he chosen to remain at Dundee United.“
