Crystal Palace are weighing up a potential move for RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner before the transfer window closes, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
The Eagles are seeking to add further attacking firepower following Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal. The Gunners paid £68m to hijack the England international's move to Tottenham, meaning Oliver Glasner has the funds to find an excellent replacement.
Palace had made Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss their top target to replace their star player and, according to Sky Sports News, were close to a £32m deal for the Foxes forward. However, Tavolieri reports that the deal has stalled and that the south London club are now interested in a move for Baumgartner.
Crystal Palace Eyeing Baumgartner Move
RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner
Bundesliga - RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany - January 25, 2025 RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Per Tavolieri, Palace are showing "concrete interest" in Baumgartner as the transfer window enters its final week. Manager Glasner is reportedly a "big fan" of the 26-year-old, who is considered to be an alternative to El Khannouss should that deal fall through.
The Leicester City man is seemingly still the priority for Steve Parish, following his impressive season in the Premier League last term. The 21-year-old played 32 league matches for the Foxes, scoring twice and assisting teammates a further three times despite his side looking disorganised under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Should a deal for the Moroccan fall through, though, then Baumgartner is a more than adequate alternative. The Austrian, who earns in the region of £40,000-per-week at Leipzig, plays in similar positions to El Khannouss and is much more experienced, with 185 Bundesliga matches under his belt for Die Roten Bullen and Hoffenheim, as well as 51 caps for his country.
According to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Palace have also added Villarreal's Yeremy Pino to their list of potential targets to replace Eze. The La Liga star has a £67m release clause in his contract, but Romano states that a deal for the 22-year-old "is not easy."
While replacing Eze is Palace's primary objective before the transfer window closes, Glasner could also enter the market for a defender, with Liverpool "given encouragement" over their pursuit of centre-back Marc Guehi. The England international has been subject to interest throughout the summer, as he enters the final year of his contract.
Should he depart, Palace reportedly want to sign Chelsea's Josh Acheampong as his replacement. The 19-year-old has impressed since breaking through at Stamford Bridge and started against Palace in the Blues' season opener.
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