Alan Pardew admitted he offered Yannick Bolasie anything he wanted to remain a Crystal Palace player, but was turned down.
Bolasie was a second half substitute in the Eagles’ 1-0 defeat at home to West Brom last weekend.
It turned out to be his final appearance in the blue and red as he joined Everton in a £25m deal later in the week.
Pardew said: "I asked him [Yala] if there was anything I could do to keep him at the club, but he said no."
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"Yannick wanted a new concept and project. That happens with players and you have to understand that but you have to replace them."
Pardew also lost midfielder Mile Jedinak to Aston Villa for a reported £4m, and he wished the Aussie skipper well in his next challenge.
He added: "He's not a sub or a squad player, and I hope he leads Aston Villa to promotion."
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