Crystal Palace have made an enquiry to sign one of Europe's most exciting young defenders, according to reports - with Club Brugge starlet Joel Ordonez thought to be in their sights as they contend with the possible exit of club captain Marc Guehi before the transfer window slams shut.
The Eagles are already known to be waving goodbye to Eberechi Eze, after drawn-out negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur saw the Lilywhites uprooted at the final moments by rivals Arsenal, giving the Eagles money to spend. But that could see them move for Ordonez, with Guehi's move away from the club also in the offing.
Report: Palace 'Add' Ordonez to Shortlist Amid Guehi Exit Rumours
Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
The report by Daily Mirror journalist Ryan Taylor states that Palace have added defender Ordonez to their shortlist, in anticipation of what will be a frantic finish to the summer transfer window. The Eagles have now agreed to sell Eze in a deal that could be worth up to £67.5million to Arsenal, and Guehi could shortly follow him out of the exit door if Liverpool intensify their interest.
With that in mind, Palace are prepared to listen to offers for Guehi, being reluctant to lose him on a free transfer next summer - and that has seen them add Ordonez to their shortlist, eyeing up Guehi's successor before they let him join the Premier League champions.
Palace have previously held interest in Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande, but there was a 'significant' gap between the valuation they set, and what Palace were willing to bid. It remains to be seen whether they'll go back in for the Ivorian, and Ordonez is a more realistic target, despite previously being valued at £40million, and with the star having agreed personal terms with Marseille in what would be a hijack.
The 21-year-old is comfortable playing in any defensive system, which appeals to Palace boss Oliver Glasner - and having already held club-to-club talks for Brugge teammate Christos Tzolis, Palace then enquired over Ordonez in what could be a double swoop.
The report further states that Palace saw a £27.7million bid rejected for former Norwich City winger Tzolis last week, whilst Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss is a 'live option'.
Ordonez, meanwhile, only joined Brugge's youth ranks in 2022, being promoted to their senior team for the 2023/24 season - and having made 83 appearances already for the Belgian outfit, he's emerged as one of the top young defenders in Europe, having impressed as an 18-year-old. He would likely slot alongside Maxence Lacroix in the heart of defence, as well as Chris Richards, with Palace's European campaign to look forward to.
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