Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has ‘great chances’ of ending up at Crystal Palace this summer, but they are not the only Premier League side interested in his signature.
That’s what Foot Mercato report today, backing up claims the Belgian striker is on the verge of returning to Selhurst Park having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Reports in England today has stated the striker is close to re-joining Roy Hodgson’s side, but Foot Mercato add to this by stating that Newcastle, West Ham, West Bromwich Albion and Brighton are ‘also on the move’ for him.
However, all four clubs are considered to be ‘a long way behind’ Crystal Palace in the hunt for the striker, who are ‘in pole’ to seal a move and add some much-needed firepower to their forward line.
Regarding the other clubs, a real push from West Ham makes the most sense. They have the most pressing need for a new centre forward this summer given Sebastien Haller’s struggles last season.
Indeed, reports in England have already stated that West Ham are in contact with Napoli’s Fernando Llorente, which would indicate a striker is on their wishlist.
West Brom could likewise do with additional firepower after returning to the Premier League, and there had been interest in Brentford’s Ollie Watkins.
However, West Brom appear to have missed out on his signature to Aston Villa so turning their attention to the Chelsea outcast, who would offer Premier League experience, is logical.
Newcastle and Brighton make a little less sense. Brighton, for example, already have Neal Maupay, so they’re not in desperate need of extra firepower.
Having said that, they have also let Glenn Murray leave so perhaps Seagulls boss Graham Potter sees Batshuayi as perfect competition for him.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have just spent €20m to sign Callum Wilson from Bournemouth and have Joelinton and Andy Carroll too so adding another, even on loan, would be overkill given their pretty limited budget.
This is presumably why Crystal Palace are right at the front of the queue for his signature, although it appears they face more competition to get it over the line than originally thought.
