Crystal Palace attacker Franco Umeh _(Image: Keith Gillard)_
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League One Exeter City have held exploratory talks over a loan move for Crystal Palace attacker Franco Umeh, the News Shopper understands.
The 20-year-old has been included in Palace’s senior squad 13 times but has yet to make his first-team debut.
He joined from Irish side Cork City in February 2023 when Palace triggered his €75,000 release clause.
Umeh trained with the first team last season, where Palace boss Oliver Glasner briefly considered him as an option at left wing-back before he reverted to his natural attacking role.
The Republic of Ireland youth international made 15 appearances for Palace’s Under-21 side last term, contributing five goals and an assist.
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Comfortable on either flank, the wide player is currently recovering from a hamstring issue sustained in pre-season.
Palace are keen to secure an EFL loan for Umeh in the final 13 days of the transfer window.
Exeter, who sit 15th in the third tier, are interested in adding the attacker to their forward ranks and have held preliminary discussions over a move.
Umeh would become the second Palace player to join the Grecians this summer, following goalkeeper Joe Whitworth’s return to Devon for a second successive season.