Russian football agent Sandor Varga has spoken to Sport Express about Krasnodar attacker Fedor Smolov and he’s claimed Crystal Palace are interested in the player.
The Russian striker is currently with the Russia national squad and is set to face Spain in the last 16 stage of the World Cup.
Varga told Sport Express: “I am aware of the interest being shown by Roy Hodgson, the manager of Crystal Palace, also my friend. They are watching him very closely. He could be a good fit for the Premier League.”
With Christian Benteke misfiring last season, Crystal Palace could be in the market for a forward in this transfer window, and it seems Smolov could be an option for Hodgson.
Smolov was linked with a move to Premier League with West Ham United during the last transfer window, but a transfer didn’t materialise for the Russian.
In January, the very same Sandor Varga said: “West Ham were after him. Crystal Palace too. I know for sure that Roy Hodgson was interested in Smolov.”
The Hammers wanted to loan the forward, with a right of redemption of £12m.
Smolov played 22 games for Krasnodar last season, scoring 14 goals.
The player only has a year left on his current contract.
