Sources: Derby County in advanced talks to sign Crystal Palace's David Ozoh
Derby County are in advanced talks with Crystal Palace over a deal to sign David Ozoh, sources have told Football Insider.
The Rams have been pushing to re-sign their former loanee since the start of the summer, and are now finally closing in on a permanent transfer for him.
Discussions between the two clubs have made significant progress in recent days, and Derby are now close to agreeing a reunion with the 21-year-old.
Palace are prepared to let Ozoh leave ahead of Tuesday's 11pm deadline, with Derby confident that they can get the deal done in time.
Ozoh made 33 appearances for the East Midlands outfit in the Championship last term, and became a firm favourite at Pride Park.
He is out of contract at Palace next summer, and Derby are now trying to take advantage of that to secure his signature.
Derby could finally get David Ozoh deal done
Ozoh has spent time on loan at Derby in each of the last two seasons, and his stints with the Rams have seen his stock rise dramatically.
He has not been part of the first-team picture at Selhurst Park, and that will remain the case under new manager Pierre Sage.
John Eustace's Derby have been working hard to tempt the Eagles into a sale in recent months, and they are finally now on the verge of a breakthrough.
They have had to fend off interest from the likes of Hull City and Bundesliga side Koln, and have now emerged at the front of the queue for Ozoh.
The Rams have had a difficult start to the new Championship season, and are winless in their opening three games, but they could yet be boosted by Ozoh's return.
Crystal Palace in Malick Fofana battle
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Palace were locked in a battle with Sunderland over the signing of Lyon winger Malick Fofana.
The Eagles have been keen to back Sage with new attacking additions, and had identified the 21-year-old winger as the perfect fit for their squad.
However, they are now set to be beaten to Fofana's signature by the Black Cats, who have agreed a deal to sign him on Tuesday morning.
Palace have been forced to back to the drawing board as a result, with less than 12 hours now remaining until the end of the window.