With Alexander Sørloth potentially being bought by Trabzonspor and Jordan Ayew used on the wing, there might be a need for a new striker at Selhurst Park to provide competition for Christian Benteke in the coming transfer window, and Roy Hodgson appears to have someone in mind.
That man is FC Metz’s Habib Diallo, as Le Foot in France believe the Eagles are one among many clubs in England keen on the 24-year-old.
They are joined by Leicester City, Chelsea and Leeds United, but the price tag could quickly push the Championship side to back out.
It’s explained there is ‘no doubt left’ that Diallo will leave the Ligue 1 side in the summer, and his sale should bring in a ‘minimum of €20m’.
That’s affordable for most Premier League sides, and with a track record of 12 goals in 26 games so far this season, a relatively warranted asking fee.
As for Leicester in all this, it’s stated their interest is only there ‘in case Jamie Vardy leaves’ in the summer, although where the 33-year-old, who was having one of his best careers to date before football was suspended, would go remains a mystery.
The Englishman still has two years left on his contract at King Power Stadium, and it seems unlikely Brendan Rodgers would want to part ways with one of his best players.
That suggests we might end up with a Chelsea and Crystal Palace battle for the striker in the summer, which could mean who can give him the most first-team football.
