Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign NEC Nijmegen midfielder Kodai Sano ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed.
The Selhurst Park side are reportedly battling Bundesliga club Wolfsburg and Dutch side Ajax for the 22-year-old Japanese international’s signature.
Ajax are believed to have presented an initial offer for Sano worth €15m, which would make him a record internal transfer in the Eredivisie.
The central midfielder has made 20 league appearances for Nijmegen this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
Crystal Palace Keen on Kodai Sano
Kodai Sano
According to Plettenberg, Nijmegen have so far rebuffed approaches from clubs for Sano, as they are seeking a fee of at least €20m for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Sano is believed to be favouring a move to Ajax, despite both Wolfsburg and Palace registering their interest ahead of transfer deadline day.
Palace have welcomed forward Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa this week and broke their transfer record with Brennan Johnson’s arrival from Tottenham Hotspur for £35m.
The Eagles have sold former captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City earlier this month and loaned out winger Romain Esse to Championship leaders Coventry City.
Oliver Glasner’s side are gearing up for a busy transfer deadline day, having finally submitted a bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Striker Swap Looming at Selhurst Park
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Palace have stepped up their efforts to bring Strand Larsen to Selhurst Park ahead of Monday’s deadline, with a £48m offer already accepted by Wolves.
The Eagles are preparing for Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential departure and have identified the 25-year-old Norway international as a priority replacement.
Mateta is now the subject of club-to-club talks between Palace and AC Milan, and has also been linked with fellow Serie A side Juventus earlier this month.
Palace are seeking a permanent deal for the Frenchman’s exit, with Mateta’s contract running until June 2027.
The 28-year-old has been Palace’s top scorer in the Premier League for the past two-and-a-half seasons, netting 38 goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
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