While Folarin Balogun has been the main Stade de Reims player Europe has spoken about this season, there is someone else there who has caught the eye with his performances.
That man is Dion Lopy, who has seen his presence grow in stature over the course of the season, to the point where the 21-year-old has ended up in the sights of Crystal Palace.
That’s according to Wiw Sport, who present the Eagles’ interest as an exclusive, following claims from France that Stade Rennais were keen on the defensive midfielder.
Echoing the news from Foot Mercato, they add to it that Lopy is also in the plans of Crystal Palace and Salernitana in Serie A.
The latter already have a Senegalese player in Boulaye Dia, who has impressed for them this season on loan from Villarreal, and they could be looking to recreate that with the midfielder.
However, if Crystal Palace, or anyone else, want to sign Lopy, they are likely to face ‘strong demands’ from Stade de Reims, as he is under contract there until 2026.
Not only that, but they will have to convince him, as the youngster isn’t entirely ruling out the idea of a fourth season with his club as he hopes to ‘continue to progress more serenely where he is sure to have playing time’.
This means Crystal Palace will have to say the right things and promise him a lot of minutes on the pitch under their next manager if they are to win this race.
