Crystal Palace backed to agree Fikayo Tomori deal as door opens

Crystal Palace have been backed to make a move for AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori as they plan to bolster their defence this summer.

The 28-year-old has been away from the Premier League for five years since he left Chelsea in 2021, and is now believed to be keen to return to the English top flight.

Crystal Palace are aiming to strengthen at the back as they brace for offers for key players including Maxence Lacroix, having already lost Marc Guehi to Man City in January.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace could now make a move for Tomori, alongside a number of their Premier League rivals.

The England international has just one year remaining on his contract at AC Milan, and there is a growing feeling he could be made available this summer.

Crystal Palace are assessing a number of options to strengthen following the appointment of Pierre Sage, and feel Europa League football could strengthen their position.

Could Fikayo Tomori leave AC Milan this summer?

Brown told Football Insider on 30 June that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Charlie Cresswell, who has impressed scouts with his performances for Toulouse.

However, the Eagles look set to miss out on the former Leeds defender, and could shift their interest towards Tomori as the position has become a priority.

The defender has long been linked with a return to England amid interest from the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa, but Palace could be his next destination.

"Tomori is somebody who I was always impressed by back when he was in Chelsea's academy," Brown told Football Insider.

"He did have a few limitations to his game, but eventually he came into the Chelsea side and then made the move over to Italy where, by all accounts, he's been very impressive.

"He's been in and around the England setup, and now there's talk that he could be allowed to leave AC Milan, there will be a number of Premier League clubs interested.

"Somebody like Crystal Palace could make a move for him, he would bring quality to that team in a position where they want to strengthen.

"Especially if they're going to lose players at the back, but they've already lost Guehi, so they want somebody to come in and provide a bit of depth and quality to the squad.

"Tomori could be a good option, he's got a lot of experience, and if he's going to be available then Crystal Palace might be a good destination."

Why do Crystal Palace want to sign a new centre-back?

Crystal Palace are preparing for a busy transfer window as they aim to build on the recent success and back Sage after he was brought in to replace Oliver Glasner.

However, they are concerned about potential departures, with a number of their key players eyeing moves away from Selhurst Park in the summer window.

Brown warned Football Insider on 29 June that Lacroix's exit from Crystal Palace could be inevitable as Chelsea plot a move to sign the France international.

He is currently away at the World Cup with France, but is believed to have had his head turned by interest from top clubs and talk amongst his international teammates.

As a result, the Eagles are assessnig potential replacements, having already landed a deal for Oscar Mingueza, who is capable of playing in a back three or as a wing back.