Agyemang has taken the Championship by storm.placeholder image
Agyemang has taken the Championship by storm. | Getty Images
Derby County boss John Esutace has admitted that the Crystal Palace linked striker is keen on the Premier League.
Crystal Palace could look to bolster their striking options for next season with a trademark Championship swoop this summer for a Derby County star turning heads in the second tier.
Patrick Agyemang has hit double figures for his goal tally this season and transitioned into the Championship from the MLS with ease. The 25-year-old has looked comfortable when deployed across the front three and is said to have turned heads at Premier League clubs.
Football Insider had claimed that both Crystal Palace and Leeds United could compete for a transfer, in reports now backed up by SportsBoom. The latter outlet also believes that Wolves could look to lure the star to Molineux with the promise of gametime, which neither the Eagles or Whites could offer if they maintain Premier League status.
Crystal Palace paid £48 million to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen in the winter window but are set to see Jean-Philippe Mateta leave Selhurst Park come the end of the campaign. There is certainly a feeling that an extra source of goals would not go amiss - Oliver Glasner’s side having recorded back-to-back 0-0 draws against AEK Larnaca and Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to carry a heavy load at Elland Road. Crystal Palace have earned a reputation for helping Championship stars make the step up a division in recent years.
Derby County star could cost Crystal Palace £20 million
All of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton have flourished in South London and Agyemang could be the next to follow in their footsteps. The United States international cost Derby County £7.5 million last summer and is expected to cost upwards of £20 million to be prized away from Pride Park so soon.
Agyemang signed a four-year contract with the club last summer and would have another three years left on that deal come the end of the season, putting Derby County in a strong negotiating position.
Speaking about the forward, Rams boss John Eustace said: “He wants to develop. He’s a terrific lad. He’s just turned 25 and he’s just come from the MLS which is a completely different style and environment.
“He wants to play in the Premier League and he wants to play there with Derby and if not, he wants to go and play at the highest level and that’s my job as a head coach (to improve) players that we bring in and make them better players.”
In other news, Craig Bellamy calls QPR, Crystal Palace and Fulham stars up for Wales duty.
Continue Reading