In pursuit of a future star, Crystal Palace are now reportedly plotting a summer hijack to sign a defensive reinforcement ahead of their Premier League rivals in the coming months.
Crystal Palace still have European hope
One defeat too many may mean that their hopes of securing European qualification through the Premier League is almost over, but Crystal Palace still have all the hope in the world in the FA Cup final. With Wembley awaiting, the Eagles have the chance to end a 29-year wait for silverware and shock Manchester City in the process.
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Oliver Glasner’s side have the chance to create club history all whilst qualifying for the Europa League by picking up the FA Cup next weekend. The Austrian is already proud of his side for their place in the final, but will be desperate to see them go all the way in England’s oldest cup competition.
Glasner told reporters after Crystal Palace eased past Aston Villa in the semi-final: “No. It’s better not to (dance). “And with all the happiness and pride, it was not the last step. It was one more step, but an important step. When you play the final, you want to win it.
“I’m really proud. I’m enjoying walking in front of the stands seeing how happy people are. In the dressing room, it’s a great mood. I think (if) I started dancing, I (would have) destroyed this moment.”
There’s no overstating what European football would do for this Palace side, either, on both the incomings and departures front. All of a sudden, players who have been linked with moves away such as Eberechi Eze could decide to stay put. Meanwhile, signing instant upgrades in the summer transfer window would become that much easier.
Crystal Palace eyeing Nathan Zeze hijack
According to Foot Mercato, as relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are now eyeing a summer hijack to sign Nathan Zeze ahead of Bournemouth. As things stand, it is the Cherries who lead the race having reportedly submitted a verbal offer worth €15m (£13m) the Nantes defender, but those at the Vitality Stadium are yet to match the French side’s €20m (£17m) valuation.
Mentioned alongside the likes of Leny Yoro and Jarrad Branthwait in a group of “elite young players” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, the only way is up for Zeze, who is still just 19 years old.
Whether that means a move to Bournemouth or, indeed, Selhurst Park is awaiting remains to be seen, however. What is for sure is that both sides should be desperate to win the battle for his signature.