LONDON, Aug 2 (SW) - England striker Andy Johnson has signed a new five-year deal with relegated outfit Crystal Palace.

Johnson has been continuously linked with a Premiership return ever since Palace were relegated on the final day of the season, but this development appears to put an end to such speculation.

The ex-Birmingham City hit man was a revelation in the last seasons Premiership, scoring 21 goals and finishing second top scorer behind Thierry Henry.

But Palace chairman Simon Jordan has been determined to hold on to his star man, and after rejecting bids from Everton and Tottenham, he has persuaded him to stay with the South London club at least in the foreseeable future.

Johnson said: “It has been a difficult couple of months and I have committed my future to Crystal Palace.

“Now I want to let my football do the talking and fire Palace back into the Premiership which I know we can do.”

Jordan also stressed that staying in the Championship should not harm the 24-year-old’s England ambitions.

He stated: “We have spoken to Sven and Andy has every chance of being in the England squad that goes to Germany.”