Palace keeper Whitworth returns to Exeter on loan

Joe Whitworth was voted Player of the Year by Exeter City fans last season

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Joe Whitworth has agreed to return to Exeter City on a second season-long loan.

The 21-year-old spent last season at St James Park where he started every League One, FA Cup and Carabao Cup match Exeter played - a total of 51 games, in which he kept 16 clean sheets.

He has played for England at under-15, under-16 and under-18 level and made two Premier League first-team appearances for Palace in the 2022-23 season - away at Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal.

Exeter are without any senior goalkeepers in their squad after Shaun MacDonald was released in May and Harry Lee turned down a new deal last week, leaving 18-year-old Frankie Phillips as the only keeper on the books.

"We've had some fantastic goalkeepers on loan and Joe was right up there with the best of them last season," Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell told the club website.

"He showed some incredible form and racked up a huge number of clean sheets and was one of the best in the league last season.

"He was named the supporters' player of the year too so is well liked at the football club and we are delighted we have managed to get him back.

"I'm sure this year with the character he is and way he approaches everyday he will be even better - he's a huge signing for us."