Crystal Palace are expected to be busy in January.
Dougie Freedman is ready to negotiate as Crystal Palace attempt to sign both a new attacking midfielder – preferably one in the mould of Michael Olise, who cuts inside from the right – along with a backup option for Tyrick Mitchell.
Crystal Palace are in talks to sign Romain Esse from Millwall as the Glaswegian Director of Football gets to work on his targets – a player who ticks the box of being similar to Olise.
James McAtee is another Crystal Palace could sign who fits this profile, as the Eagles aim to rise up the Premier League.
Now – however – another target in Enzo Millot is expected to leave in 2025, with VfB Stuttgart already lining up a replacement.
Crystal Palace receive Enzo Millot encouragement
A story from Dennis Bayer of Sky Sports claimed back in October that Crystal Palace have registered an interest in the France U23 international – who has a release clause in the region of €20m (£18m).
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Millot – aged 22 – is now being lined up for a sale in 2025.
Florian Plettenburg – another Sky Sports journalist – states that VfB Stuttgart are already internally discussing a move for Bayern Munich wonderkid Paul Wanner as a replacement for the Frenchman.
The respected journalist does not provide any new updates on whether Crystal Palace have a good chance at striking an agreement, but nonetheless, this news suggests Freedman won’t need to do much when it comes to convincing VfB Stuttgart to sell.
🚨⚪️🔴 Excl | #VfB Stuttgart are preparing for the potential departure of Enzo #Millot next summer.
To prepare for this scenario, VfB bosses are already making plans. 18 y/o top talent and Heidenheim loanee Paul #Wanner is one of the potential candidates being discussed… pic.twitter.com/6fatKwsr8e
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 9, 2024
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It will presumably be more a case of fending off competition – as Millot is enjoying a fantastic 2024/25 campaign so far.
The man born in Luce has scored six goals and provided four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Jean-Philippe Mateta knows Enzo Millot well
If Freedman can negotiate a deal for Millot, the attacking midfielder would be reunited with a familiar face at Selhurst Park in Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The pair made three appearances alongside each other at the Olympic Games last summer, helping France reach the final where they sadly suffered a 5-3 defeat to Spain after extra-time.
Captain, Alexandre Lacazette #10 of Team France celebrate his first goal with Enzo Millot #12 and Jean-Philippe Mateta #14during the Men's group A ...
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
Judging by footage posted by France during that tournament, Mateta was one of the more charismatic players within the camp, so his bubbly nature could even tempt Millot to join him in SE25.
Whatever happens, Freedman looks set to be busy in January.