Crystal Palace scouts watching World Cup star Nestory Irankunda – expert

Crystal Palace scouts have been closely monitoring the development of Watford star Nestory Irankunda over the course of the last season.

The 20-year-old has attracted interest from Premier League clubs thanks to his Championship performances, and has already set the World Cup alight with Australia.

He found the net during the Socceroos' 2-0 win against Turkey, impressing his watching suitors with a number of English clubs said to be keen.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace could make a move for Irankunda, but must not act rashly after the World Cup.

There are doubts about whether the winger is ready to make the step up to the Premier League, and clubs have been urged not to be convinced solely on his international form.

However, Palace scouts have been keeping a close eye on Irankunda for a long period and are unlikely to make a decision without having done their due diligence.

Could Crystal Palace move to sign Nestory Irankunda?

Following Pierre Sage's appointment as the new Crystal Palace manager, the Eagles are planning for an ambitious transfer window as they aim to build on their recent success.

The Eagles will head into the Europa League off the back of winning two major trophies in two seasons, and hope some strong additions can make it three.

They have a good record recruiting from the Championship, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Adam Wharton arriving from the second tier, and they could look to replicate that success.

"Crystal Palace want to upgrade their squad and they are always keen to look in the Championship," Brown told Football Insider.

"Somebody like Irankunda, playing for Watford, it's not a million miles away from Palace so I have no doubt they will have had scouts keeping an eye on him.

"They'll want to know chapter and verse about him before making a move, the pros and the cons, what's he like as a character, how he behaves on and off the pitch.

"He's already impressed at the World Cup, but that can't be what they base their decision off of, one or two good performances.

"I would always warn clubs against making moves for players just based on the fact they've had a World Cup, when they're bound to be performing at their best level.

"They have to have done their due dilligence, and from what I know about Palace and the way they operate, I have no doubt they will have put the work in.

"So Palace will know plenty about Irankunda, and if they feel he is ready, then they can make a move. I'm not convinced he is, though, so in that case they will keep watching until he's ready."

Who else is interested in signing Irankunda?

Palace are not the only Premier League team who have been keeping a close eye on Irankunda's performances in the Championship and at the World Cup.

His contract at Watford is set to run until 2030, potentially making any move difficult, but there are a number of clubs now considering moves to lure him away.

Brown told Football Insider on 15 June that West Ham are keeping an eye on Irankunda's situation and could make a move to bring him to the London Stadium this summer.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have been forced to change their transfer plans after suffering relegation from the Premier League, with new targets being assessed.

Meanwhile, with the possibility of big-name exits on the wing including Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen, the position may soon become key for Nuno.