Oliver Glasner wants January reinforcements.placeholder image
Oliver Glasner wants January reinforcements. | AFP via Getty Images
Oliver Glasner wants more strength in depth at Selhurst Park and could turn to a frozen out Chelsea figure.
Crystal Palace followed up a 3-0 win over Shelbourne in the Europa Conference League with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Selhurst Park on Sunday, as a hectic fixture schedule continues for Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles boss has lamented a lack of depth in his squad as they continue to try and compete in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and in Europe. Crystal Palace are expected to bring new faces through the door in January with the rumour mill starting to warm up ahead of the window.
Crystal Palace and Leeds United linked with ‘forgotten’ Chelsea man
The 31-year-old has become a forgotten figure at Stamford Bridge and is not part of Enzo Maresca’s current or future plans. Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal but it was an underwhelming spell with just one goal in 28 appearances.
The forward would come with bags of Premier League experience, having played 396 times in the top flight and having bagged 123 goals in the division. The report claims that Chelsea are keen to move on the player as soon as possible to make room for younger arrivals.
It’s added that Crystal Palace have ‘expressed admiration’ for Sterling but could face competition from Leeds United, who supposedly view the former Manchester City and Liverpool star as a ‘marquee signing’.
Sterling is being looked at by clubs across Europe and in Saudi Arabia but the player’s priority is said to remain in Europe. The winger is thought to be hoping to rebuild his form and salvage his reputation in a top league.
Oliver Glasner laments lack of summer spending
Crystal Palace are said to be the frontrunners in the transfer race, which could be music to the ears of Glasner. Speaking earlier this month, Glasner was asked if a lack of backing in the summer had come to hurt his team.
He said: “That’s the issue. We’ve never talked about it to be honest but today it feels like it’s time because I want to protect the players.
“The energy level was not that high at the end. They looked a bit fatigued. I want to protect them because I know how hard they’re working every day and it was our 22nd game and [United’s] fourteenth game [of the season].
“I could see they were physically better, we got mentally a little bit fatigued. That’s what we are facing. It’s now time to mention it, it’s clearly our fault. We missed the opportunity to strengthen the depth of the squad in summer. We knew the schedule, we knew Ismaila Sarr would go to AFCON. Nothing was surprising.”
In other news, ‘Magnificent’ Tottenham star named on Crystal Palace shortlist for ‘potential’ January transfer.
Continue Reading