English Premier League side Crystal Palace have started plans to boost their squad ahead of next season after moving within a point of the 40 points tally for safety following their 2-0 win over Newcastle United yesterday, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Oliver Glasner who replaced veteran manager Roy Hodgson is keen on avoiding another relegation battle, and has started plans to add new players to the team in certain areas that he feels they need an upgrade or more options.
One of the areas where an upgrade and more option is needed is in attack where they presently have just Odsonne Édouard as backup to main striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Glasner has identified Nigeria international striker Kelechi Iheanacho as one of the options to grow his pool in that role.
Iheanacho is available on a free transfer from Leicester City and talks have been held regarding a move, but Turkish side Trabzonspor are also keen on the 27 year old when his contract runs out in the summer, their interest is said to be tempting but Iheanacho prefers to stay in England.
Palace are also keen on Iheanacho’s international teammate Wilfred Ndidi according to TalkSport. Like Iheanacho he is also available for free with his contract set to run out in the summer and no talks over an extension despite his impact in their bid to return to the English Premier League.
Playing in an advanced midfield role he has shown his worth with four goals and five assists from 30 matches despite missing one month due to the injuries and fitness issues.
He is ending the season on a high for the league leaders with back to back goals in their last two games against West Brom and Southampton. Other teams like Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in signing the midfielder who joined the Foxes in 2017 in a £15m deal from Belgium side Genk.
Daniel Martins
