Crystal Palace are looking to sign Benfica midfielder Jan-Niklas Beste in the January window, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Eagles are keen to add a new left-sided midfielder at Selhurst Park, and they are interested in signing the German midfielder.
Writing for Sky Sports Switzerland, Tavolieri claims that Palace have initiated talks with the player’s representatives in order to reach an agreement with Benfica.
While the Portuguese giants are unwilling to sell him, they still could look to offload him if a permanent agreement can be reached.
They spent £6.6 million to sign him from Heidenheim this summer, but he has failed to meet the expectations under manager Bruno Lage.
The report does not state Benfica’s asking price or how much Palace are willing to pay for the 25-year-old midfielder, but what we do know is that the Eagles have made a move to get Beste to Selhurst Park in January.
Oliver Glasner needs support in January
Beste will be a smart signing for Palace if they can get him at a decent price.
Oliver Glasner has stated that he is constantly in talks with the club hierarchy over how to improve the squad and made it clear that the Eagles could delve into the market if the right player is available.
Bolstering the forward department could be a priority for Glasner despite signing Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Eddie Nketiah in the summer.
Beste is a versatile player who can play across all positions in midfield (left, right and centre) and can also operate as a left-back if needed.
This season, he has started in only four games in the Portuguese league, and most of his appearances have come from the bench. He has made five substitute appearances in the Champions League and registered one assist.
He is very good at crossing and taking set-pieces and has the ability to play out killer passes. Beste is equally strong in making tackles (1.4 tackles per game) and is a good finisher as well.
The former Werder Bremen midfielder scored eight goals in 32 games last season. He has a contract at the Portuguese club until 2029, and Palace may have to pay a handsome fee to lure him away.