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Crystal Palace will face tough competition from AFC Bournemouth in the race to sign FC Nantes’ Nathan Zézé in the summer window.

That’s according to Foot Mercato, who mention Crystal Palace in a report that focuses mainly on the Cherries’ interest in the defender.

The centre-back has played 16 league games this season as an ankle injury kept him on the sidelines for 85 days between January and April. He regained his placed in the starting XI after recovering from the injury.

Zézé is one of the most promising defenders in Ligue 1 and has caught the attention of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and VfB Stuttgart.

The Eagles and the Bundesliga club are eyeing up a move for him while Andoni Iraola’s side have made a verbal offer of €15-16m. The Ligue 1 side are demanding €20m to sanction his sale.

Bournemouth have an edge over Crystal Palace and Stuttgart as the 19-year-old is keen on joining them. He can replace Dean Huijsen, if the latter were to leave after this season.

As well as Zézé, the Cherries are looking at Stade Rennais’ Adrien Truffert and Marseille’s Quentin Merlin to replace Milos Kerkez.

Foot Mercato state Bournemouth could contact the Ligue 1 duo for the two players. The 23-year-old is valued at €15m by Stade Rennais while Marseille need to a strong offer to sell the 22-year-old.