Forced to play two wingers up top due to injuries to Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham, Crystal Palace and Roy Hodgson, after their surprise win over Chelsea, returned to their old ways over the weekend, losing 1-0 to Newcastle.
Even if they were unable to beat the Geordies on the pitch, the Eagles still have a chance of one upping Rafa Benitez off it.
In order to do that, they would have to sign Jonathan Bamba, who has been a target for both clubs since the summer, and has been caught up in some contract renewal issues at Saint-Etienne.
With his current deal expiring in June 2018, the Ligue 1 side are worried they could lose their starlet for nothing at the end of the season, yet their renewal offer was rejected by the youngster, who was asking for three times more than what they are willing to pay him.
This led the board to push the Crystal Palace target to one side, and, over the past two weeks, the 21-year-old was forced to watch his team from the stands.
However, it appears being left out of the squad got to Bamba, and L’Equipe on Tuesday claim new negotiations are set to take place soon regarding a renewal, and the player has been allowed to return to the first-team.
The fact the player and his agent have agreed to new talks suggests they are now willing to lower their demands, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will say yes to whatever Saint-Etienne have to offer.
It wouldn’t be surprising for them to wait until January and see what Premier League clubs have to put forward wage wise before making a decision.
This is where Crystal Palace, who could do with someone of Bamba’s versatility (he has proven himself as a striker), could come in and blow Saint-Etienne away.
