Crystal Palace could be in store for an exciting summer of recruitment.
The Eagles can now attract a different calibre of player after last season’s FA Cup win unlocked qualification for the UEFA Europa League, and have already signed Walter Benitez as backup for Dean Henderson – the Argentina international who made 34 starts as PSV Eindhoven won the Eredivisie last term.
In a rather ambitious move, Crystal Palace are also holding talks to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP, a central defender many consider to be the best prospect in his position across Europe.
As those negotiations continue, Crystal Palace have now also made an approach for Andy Diouf.
Crystal Palace enquire about Andy Diouf
Alan Nixon now states on Patreon that Crystal Palace have approached RC Lens to ask about the France U21 international.
The south Londoners are said to be wary of losing Adam Wharton either this summer or next summer, and are making plans ahead of schedule in case they receive an irresistible bid for the England international.
Similar can be said about the talks for Diomande – Crystal Palace could lose Marc Guehi to Liverpool, so the Ivory Coast international is being targeted as a replacement.
Nixon adds that RC Lens want at least £20m for Diouf – who Tottenham approached in January, TBR Football understand – plus bonus payments for the Frenchman.
Where Adam Wharton could end up as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool lurk
TBR Football understand Wharton is content at Crystal Palace for now, but a number of European giants are still lurking to sign the 21-year-old.
Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and even Real Madrid are understood to be huge admirers of the Blackburn academy graduate, who Crystal Palace value at £100m.
Manchester City have also watched Wharton closely, so the Crystal Palace No.20 would not be short of suitors whatsoever if a deal for Diouf ends up making him available.