Crystal Palace could make one of the surprise moves of the summer after their FA Cup win over Manchester City - with David Ornstein stating that the Eagles 'admire' Jamie Vardy, who is set to leave Leicester City after 13 years of incredible service in the east Midlands despite his reported £140,000-per-week contract.
Palace's first-ever major trophy has seen them for a debut European campaign, with their win at Wembley securing a Europa League run for next season, and with that in mind, Oliver Glasner and his recruitment team are likely to step up their efforts to bring players in for the future, hoping to secure top-half football on a regular basis.
Ornstein: Palace 'Admire' Vardy Ahead of Potential Summer Move
The Leicester legend is set for a new club for the first time in 13 years
Jamie Vardy Reveals Genius Reason He Blew Referee’s Whistle
Many young, hungry players are likely to be linked this summer; Lyon star Rayan Cherki is just one name who has been touted for a move to South London, and that calibre of signing would be ideal for Palace to kick on and become a severely feared outfit.
Jamie Vardy's Premier League statistics - Leicester squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Goals
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Aerials Won Per Game
Match rating
But older, experienced signings on free transfers may not be out of the question, and The Athletic reporter has hinted that Vardy is massively admired by the club's board in the hopes of a potential move this summer, labelling the situation as 'very interesting'. He said on NBC Sports:
"There's been rumours today about Jamie Vardy. I think he is a player who is admired by the Palace hierarchy, but let's wait and see if that one develops. It could be a very interesting situation there."
Vardy joined Leicester in May 2012, and after two seasons in the Championship - in which he scored 20 goals in 63 appearances - he took to the Premier League.
A tough first season still meant Leicester stayed up, before he ventured on his miracle campaign of 24 league strikes in 36 games as Leicester won an incredibly unlikely Premier League title.
183 league goals since, including 145 top-flight strikes, have seen him become Leicester's greatest-ever player. Seven consecutive seasons of double figures in the Premier League, and three of those being 20+-goal hauls, means it's no wonder Vardy has been called 'phenomenal' for his time at the King Power.
Palace would likely see him play a sub role to Eddie Nketiah and Mateta if he was to join, but that level of experience and finishing ability shouldn't be sniffed at with the club competing on four fronts next season.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 21-05-25.
Glasner and Parish Related
Four 'Big' Signings Crystal Palace Want to Make in Summer Spending Spree
The Eagles' FA Cup win could lead to several big-name arrivals.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.