Crystal Palace are set to push to sign a "rapid" £70m Marc Guehi replacement in the summer transfer window, but there could be competition from some huge clubs...
Palace set to make move for new centre-back
Following the 1-1 draw away at Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night, Oliver Glasner was critical of his side's defending, saying: "We are all not pleased with the performance, with the result, but it is the situation we are in right now and it's [time] to find better solutions in attack and in defence.
"We're always giving a gift to the opposition through our own mistakes and defending really poorly. This always gives the opposition the belief that they can come back into a game. The momentum changes. The crowd gets the belief."
Losing former captain Marc Guehi in the January transfer window was always going to be a major blow, and the Eagles have struggled at the back in recent weeks, surrendering a two-goal lead to fall to a 3-2 defeat against Burnley in the Premier League earlier this month.
The South Londoners were active in January, signing Brennan Johnson, Evann Guessand and Jorgen Strand Larsen, but they failed to get a new centre-back through the door.
As such, bringing in a Guehi replacement will surely be on the agenda at the end of the season, and according to a report from Record (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace are now set to push for the signing of Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande.
Steve Parish clearly means business, having identified an in-demand defender as a target, with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Arsenal also named as potential suitors, but Palace may have to shell out a large fee to get a deal over the line.
Ousmane Diomande
The 22-year-old is protected by a €80m (£70m) release clause in his contract, albeit the Portuguese side may be willing to negotiate a lower fee, as they need to generate funds this summer.
"Rapid" Diomande could be exciting Guehi heir
Zach Lowy has made it clear he is a keen admirer of the Sporting defender, with the journalist tipping him to make it to the very highest level.
This season, the Ivorian has suffered with injuries, but he has been a regular starter whenever fit, most recently helping his side keep a clean sheet in a 3-0 Liga Portugal victory against Moreirense.
Ousmane Diomande's key stats vs Moreirense Number completed
Accurate passes 92/100 (92%)
Interceptions 1
Tackles 2
Ground duels (won) 6 (3)
Crystal Palace definitely need to bring in a centre-back this summer, having struggled defensively in recent weeks, after losing Guehi, and Diomande could be an exciting long-term replacement.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner before the match Related
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