Crystal Palace have been offered the chance to sign a Real Madrid star following talks with his representatives, according to a new report.
Palace finally tasted victory in the derby against Brighton on Sunday, and they can now build more momentum against bottom-feeders Burnley tomorrow night.
Oliver Glasner manager of Crystal Palace applauds the fans after the game
Ismaila Sarr's 61st minute strike settled the M23 derby at the Amex Stadium, delivering three precious points that lifted Oliver Glasner's men to 13th, nine points clear of the drop zone.
The Ivory Coast forward pounced on Lewis Dunk's poor clearance before coolly finishing past Bart Verbruggen to spark wild celebrations amongst the travelling Eagles faithful.
That breakthrough ended Palace's longest barren run since December 7, when they last claimed a Premier League win at Fulham.
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And with just months until the World Cup.
The victory proved particularly sweet given it came against bitter rivals Brighton, with Sarr continuing his remarkable record at the Amex — he's now bagged three goals at that ground, more than any other away venue.
Loan signing Evann Guessand made an instant impact off the bench, setting up Sarr's winner on his debut after joining from Aston Villa in late January.
Dean Henderson produced heroics between the sticks, denying Charalampos Kostoulas minutes after Palace grabbed the lead before knee slide celebrations both after the goal and at full-time.
Tomorrow evening's Selhurst Park encounter against doomed Burnley offers the perfect opportunity to string together consecutive victories for the first time this calendar year.
Burnley manager Scott Parker looks dejected after the match
Scott Parker's struggling Clarets arrive in south London rooted in 19th, having failed to win any of their last 16 Premier League games, and their defeat at West Ham last weekend all but confirmed their drop back down to the Championship.
Behind-the-scenes, chairman Steve Parish is preparing for the departure of manager Oliver Glasner by eyeing up potentially lucrative summer transfer opportunities.
Crystal Palace offered chance to sign Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger
As per TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey today, sensational transfer whispers suggest Palace could pull off a stunning summer coup by landing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger without paying a penny.
Rudiger-Disasi-Chelsea-Badiashile
The German international's representatives have contacted multiple Premier League clubs, including Palace, to gauge interest in a potential free transfer when his Madrid contract expires in June.
Palace are said to have held talks with Rudiger's camp as his agents explore his next move after Madrid, and it is believed that he's even ready to take a 'significant' pay cut.
The 32-year-old's agents have specifically approached Palace and their London rivals, informing parties of the conditions required to secure his signature.
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Chelsea were offered the chance as well, but they aren't particularly keen given their policy on avoiding transfers of players over 30 — even despite his previous excellent spell at Stamford Bridge.
Palace face no such restrictions and could move decisively if they identify Rudiger as a crucial summer reinforcement.
The Eagles could steal a march on their rivals by pushing with intent now, and could even agree a pre-summer contract given any club outside of Spain has the power to do so.
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Crystal Palace had one of the more frantic January transfer windows in the Premier League.