Crystal Palace interested in signing 14-goal winger – Contract situation in their favour, face one big problem

Crystal Palace are interested in Benfica winger Rafa Silva, according to reports from Portugal.

Newspaper Record claims the Eagles are currently ‘thinking’ of landing the 30-year-old, although that’s unlikely to be an easy task.

Silva’s contract with Benfica expires next year, and that would give Crystal Palace a more comfortable situation to negotiate.

Now, even though the possibility of playing in English football ‘pleases’ the player, he’s not expected to get excited with that specific scenario.

Record explains that during the pre-season tour in England, Silva told Benfica president Rui Costa that the huge offer from Qatar he received was ‘forgotten’.

The player reportedly assured the Eagles fit that he’s focused on doing well for the club this season, even though he’s not promising he’ll sign a new contract yet.

So Crystal Palace would need very strong arguments to make the player change his mind.

It all sounds like Silva will push for a situation where, next year, he either forces Benfica to give him a very good contract or becomes a free agent to choose his next destination.

Last season, he had 14 goals and 14 assists for the club in all competitions.