Crystal Palace didn't manage to bring in a replacement for Marc Guehi during the January transfer window, but they are eyeing new centre-back signings ahead of the summer.
Palace struggling in the Premier League in Guehi's absence
Having picked up victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers over the course of the past month, Palace are pretty much safe, but it would be fair to say it hasn't been the best of seasons, with Oliver Glasner's side currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table.
The campaign started off on a sour note, with the Eagles being demoted to the Europa Conference League, and things have gone from bad to worse, losing captain Guehi during the January transfer window.
Steve Parish had a difficult decision to make, given that the Englishman's contract was set to expire at the end of the season, so opting to cash-in was understandable, but the failure to bring in a replacement is a little more questionable.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and former player Mark Bright in the stands
That said, the recruitment team have already started working on moves for new centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, with Fenerbahce star Jayden Oosterwalde among the targets.
A deal for Oosterwalde could be inexpensive, as offers of around £17m may tempt the Turkish side, and the south Londoners have now identified another target that wouldn't break the bank...
Palace enter race to sign C lub Atletico Independiente star Kevin Lomonaco
According to a report from Boca Noticias (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace are now battling Premier League rivals West Ham United for the signature of Kevin Lomonaco, who currently plays for Argentinian side Club Atletico Independiente.
Lomonaco remains tied down until 2028, but a deal could be possible for a relatively modest fee, given that there is a $15m (£11m) release clause included in his contract.
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The Eagles have set their sights on a "relentless" midfielder.
That should be an affordable fee for both Palace and West Ham, and there are indications the centre-back could now be ready to test himself at a higher level, having performed very well in Argentina.
Argentina's Lautaro Martinez, Valentin Barco, Kevin Lomonaco, Lionel Messi, Facundo Medina, and Franco Mastantuon
Journalist Gaston Edul has been particularly impressed by the 24-year-old's displays, describing him as the "best" defender in the Argentina Primera Division last May.
Transfermarkt's Scott Christensen has also been full of praise for the Argentine defender, saying: "Kevin Lomonaco is still one of the best center-backs in Argentina. His buildup play is still excellent, and he is crucial for his team’s attack."
The Independiente star has been one of his side's most consistent performers in the Liga Profesional Apertura this season, averaging a FotMob match rating of 7.30, which is the second-highest in the squad.
However, it would be a big risk to bring in a player unproven in Europe to replace a player as important as Guehi, so it may be a savvy move to sign a centre-back with more experience alongside Lomonaco, in what will be a big summer, with Jean-Phillippe Mateta also likely to leave, amid a fallout with the fans.