Crystal Palace are now determined to seal a late deal for a "spectacular" player, on what could be a busy transfer deadline day, and talks are underway.
Palace identify new target on deadline day
Oliver Glasner has admitted he is disappointed Palace's transfer business has dragged on until the final day of the window, saying: "I would prefer not to be talking the day before the deadline about transfers. My wish would be that everything had been sorted two weeks ago, so we could train and focus on development.
“I think we have to take a step backwards. Maybe two or three more players are coming in, then we have five or six new players all of a sudden."
However, that is the hand the manager has been dealt, and a busy transfer deadline day could be on the cards, with Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen in line to be brought in to replace Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Eagles have also been searching for a Marc Guehi replacement, following their former captain's move to Manchester City, but their bid for Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez was knocked back by the Belgian club.
As such, Crystal Palace have now identified a new target as an alternative option, according to a report from L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), which states they are determined to secure the signature of Lyon defender Ruben Kluivert.
Talks over a deal for Kluivert are now underway, but a deal may be dependent upon the French side signing Paris Saint-Germain youngster Noham Kamara as a replacement first.
Ruben Kluivert of Lyon celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Metz and Lyon
Lyon have been struggling financially, so they need to make sales, but it is unclear what sort of fee they are looking to receive for the centre-back.
"Spectacular" Kluivert could be solid Guehi replacement
Journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos has been impressed by the Lyon star's performances this season, saying on X in January: "What a centre-back Ruben Kluivert is.
"He arrived as a hidden gem at Lyon and has become a dominant and unquestionable centre-back for Fonseca. He's fast, strong, and in every challenge, he comes out on top almost always. Spectacular match in Lille today."
The defender has featured as a centre-back, right-back and left-back for Lyon this season, displaying his versatility, and he has four goal contributions to his name in 18 matches in all competitions.
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[Crystal Palace now offered another "exciting" talent during Strand Larsen negotiations](https://www.footballfancast.com/crystal-palace-now-offered-chance-to-sign-kodai-sano-after-strand-larsen/ "Crystal Palace now offered another "exciting" talent during Strand Larsen negotiations")
The Eagles could land another late addition.
Crystal Palace definitely need to bring in a new centre-back before tonight's 7pm transfer deadline, and Kluivert has proven he could be a solid option, but it would be a slight risk to sign him, given that he has no experience in the Premier League.