Selhurst Park chiefs are weighing up a move for Diouf as they attempt to bolster Oliver Glasner’s squad ahead of the club’s maiden Europa League campaign.
The 22-year-old, a long-term target for the Eagles, features prominently on Palace’s shortlist for central midfield reinforcements.
Diouf made 37 appearances for RC Lens last season and is known for his progressive passing and dribbling – attributes that would suit Palace’s two-man midfield.
At the Under-21 Euros, Diouf has featured twice for France en route to the semi-finals, playing the full 90 minutes in both their first and last group-stage matches. France face Germany in Kosice tomorrow for a place in the final.
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Meanwhile, Palace have also been monitoring Dutch defender Rav van den Berg, who will face England in the other semi-final tomorrow.
The 20-year-old centre-back has started the Netherlands’ last two games at the tournament, helping them keep consecutive clean sheets.
(Image: PA)
Also capable of playing right-back, the Zwolle academy product is on Palace’s radar, though other defensive targets are currently being prioritised.
Earlier this month, the News Shopper reported that Palace will look to sign at least one centre-back this summer, regardless of captain Marc Guehi’s future.
Guehi, 24, has been strongly linked with a move to Premier League champions Liverpool, although guaranteed game time will be a key factor for the England international in a World Cup year.