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Crystal Palace sign Benfica's Sweden U21 midfielder Erdal Rakip on loan

Crystal Palace have signed Sweden under-21 midfielder Erdal Rakip on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.

Rakip, who joined Benfica from Malmo earlier this month and has been loaned back out, has won 11 caps for the Sweden under-21s.

He told the official Palace website: "I believe this is a league that suits me and my way of playing.

"It's fast-paced and physically intense, and I'm a classic, balanced No. 6 -- a box-to-box player who runs up and down the field.

"I hope to adapt quickly in order to help the team and show my qualities -- I have been training since the [Swedish] season ended and I feel fit and ready to play straight away.

"It feels amazing arriving to the best league in the world and to be part of a great team."