Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss has edged even further to the exit door at the King Power Stadium, according to reports - with the Morocco international having told his employers that he wishes to leave for Crystal Palace before the transfer window slams shut in two weeks.
Palace have seen their own attacking midfield star, Eberechi Eze, linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in recent weeks, and that must be rectified with a replacement if they lose the England international. He is largely seen as their key player, and so whoever comes in must be a strong candidate to take Palace into the top half places and excel in Europe.
Report: El Khannouss Tells Leicester he Wants Palace Transfer
Bilal El Khannouss in action for Leicester City
With that in mind, the report by GIVEMESPORT transfer correspondent Ben Jacobs on X (formerly Twitter) states that El Khannouss has told Leicester that he wishes to make the move down to south London.
Palace are set to feature in the Europa Conference League, and having become an established Premier League outfit over the past decade - alongside Leicester being relegated to the Championship - it's clear to see why the former Genk star wants the move.
The Foxes want a fee of £30million to let their star depart the club, a step-up from their former price tag of £25million, which was the cost of El Khannouss' relegation release clause before it expired.
And given that Oliver Glasner's side continue to barter with Tottenham Hotspur over the cost of Eze, it could well be that Spurs' delay in making a bid could bring more money in for the Eagles, although that same delay will make a deal for El Khannouss more expensive.
He impressed for Leicester last season with five goal contributions in the Premier League, as well as three in the cup competitions. That was despite playing in a Leicester side that were horribly mismanaged by Ruud van Nistelrooy, including a run of just three points from 16 games in the top-flight from mid-December through to mid-April.
Palace, meanwhile, will need their creative ranks flying with the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr looking to feed off of any chances created, especially if Eze leaves. Fans are over the moon that last season's FA Cup win has seen them into European competition for the first time in their history and big signings towards the end of the campaign could be ideal for their adoring south London faithful.
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