REPORT: Crystal Palace owners are now in the front seat to sign ‘incredbile’ Champions League defender ahead of Premier League rivals- Virgil Van Dijk called him a ‘rock’
New target: Crystal Palace exploring bid to sign “incredible” £17m defender
Crystal Palace are now exploring a bid to sign an “incredible” defender, but there could be stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Palace set sights on new centre-back
At the end of the campaign, Marc Guehi will have just one year remaining on his contract, which means it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on their captain for a large fee, and a number of clubs remain interested in his signature.
Chelsea chiefs are adamant about signing Guehi, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with moves for the defender, which means Oliver Glasner may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer.
Last week, the Eagles made their first move to sign Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, making contact over a deal for the 23-year-old defender, who has been likened to former FC Barcelona centre-back Pique.
IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe is also of interest to the south Londoners, and they are believed to be leading the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, despite competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
Crystal Palace are pursuing some lesser-known centre-backs from across the globe, but there are also signs they could look at bringing in a defender with a plethora of experience at the top level, having now joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Palace are exploring a bid for Skriniar, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce, where he has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season.
Fenerbahce want to sign the defender permanently, with PSG expected to demand a fee of €20 (£17m), but there could be competition for his signature from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Incredible” Skriniar could be coup for Palace
The 30-year-old has previously proven himself at the top level across spells with PSG and Inter Milan, chalking up 37 appearances in the Champions League, and his performances this season indicate he still has a lot left to give.
Since arriving in Turkey back in January, the Slovakian has made nine Süper Lig appearances, showcasing his attacking threat by scoring two goals and providing one assist.
The former Inter man has been one of Fenerbahce’s most consistent performers since his arrival, averaging a 7.05 WhoScored match rating, and his previous exploits in the Serie A indicate he could have what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.
Lauded as “incredible” by former Inter chairman Steven Zhang, Skriniar could be a real statement signing for Palace this summer, and £17m seems like a very reasonable fee for his services.