Here’s some bright Monday morning news to cheer you up.
Just under a week ago we brought claims from Belgium that Crystal Palace are preparing a summer swoop to sign Leander Dendoncker from Anderlecht. It was dependent on Roy Hodgson keeping the Eagles in the Premier League and that’s going pretty well.
Another potential problem for Crystal Palace was earlier claims that Atletico Madrid have a pre-agreement signed meaning they can get the player for €20m. But there’s not really anything in Spain on that and it’s largely disappeared in Belgium too.
Then, a few days ago, came claims Betis would provide competition for Palace, but the Seville club’s local media, who tend to be very well informed, haven’t really let that one catch their imagination. The rumours, which seemed to start in Belgium, have been covered but with the caveat that Premier League interest could kill things, even if there was anything in it.
Another potential worry would have been doubts about Dendoncker’s form this season in Belgium. Despite being just 23 years of age, the midfielder turned defender seems to get an awful lot of grief any time his form drops.
But now there’s praise after the youngster put in a very good display and scored a goal against Sporting Charleroi.
Anderlecht manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck is quoted by HLN as saying: “Leander was top, but this has been the case for weeks, we have been defensively strong lately, but with Dendoncker you also have someone who is strong on the ball.”
The player himself recognises his good spell, but also notes there’s room for improvement, which is refreshing: “This is very good, it’s not my best season, but in these play-offs I try to put my best foot forward again, it is a mental issue and a matter of form.
“Those little mistakes have to go out, like today at the end of the match, that has to do with loss of concentration and that shouldn’t happen. If something like that happens in midfield, there are fewer consequences, but in any position, it shouldn’t happen.”
This is all lining up to be a good chance for Crystal Palace, but they may want to keep an eye on West Ham and their interest.
