Crystal Palace ‘showed interest’ in player included in Barcelona target list

Crystal Palace are among several clubs to have ‘tested the ground’ to sign Rennes’ Hamari Traoré this summer.

That’s according to Foot Mercato, who state that from England, the Eagles have ‘showed interest’ in the right-back.

The 30-year-old was also approached by unnamed club from Qatar. However, the Middle East side and Crystal Palace ‘did not want to pay the transfer fees’.

Apart from Patrick Vieira’s side and others, Barcelona are in the picture for the Mali international. He has made it to the short list of the La Liga side’s decision makers as his profile is appreciated, particularly by Jordi Cruyff.

With Palace and others not wanting to pay a fee, it could give Barcelona a free hand to sign the Rennes player, if they decide to make an approach for him.

Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward are the two recognised right-backs available at Selhurst Park. Vieira used the latter as a centre-back in a back three in his side’s draw against Liverpool earlier this week.

The addition of Traoré or another player who can operate on the right side of the defence, can provide cover and competition to Clyne, if Ward is to be used as a centre-back.