Crystal Palace lay groundwork for ‘mega January window’ after deal agreed
Crystal Palace are planning for multiple incoming signings in what they hope will be a “mega” January transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Oliver Glasner is determined to add depth to his squad.
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham already this month, but are showing no signs of slowing down in the market.
This comes amid concerns about their squad depth during an unprecedented winter schedule for the Eagles, with very few quality options on the bench.
As a result, new signings are expected to follow Johnson in at least three key positions as they target another strong end to the season.
Crystal Palace plan for busy January transfer window
Brown told Football Insider in November that Crystal Palace will back Glasner in January as they are aware they left him frustrated with their slow summer window.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the Eagles are now stepping up moves for a number of top-level players.
“Crystal Palace want a mega transfer window,” he told Football Insider.
“They know their squad isn’t big enough and they’ve felt the effects of playing in Europe and trying to balance that with the Premier League and the cups.
“I don’t want to be disparaging of this Crystal Palace squad, but there are players who come off the bench and I can’t see how they’re going to make a difference.
“When you look at there options, there are only really one or two players to call upon.
“You see other clubs around where Palace want to be, they can bring on players who change a game, but Palace can’t do that at the moment.
“They’ve done really well with a small squad, but when you’re looking for that extra bit, they haven’t quite got it at the moment.
“So they’d like to get three or four players in to fill some key areas of the squad and give them that depth to change games and get them over the line.
“If they can do that, it could be a really promising season, but they need options and they need better quality players, but they know that and they’re hopeful of doing it.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta twist forces Palace into the market
With a number of key positions including a right-wing-back and central midfielder on the Eagles’ radar, they are already working to identify available options.
Brown told Football Insider on 30 December that Crystal Palace want a top-class striker and their recruitment team have already begun assessing their targets.
This comes amid concerns about the long-term future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has failed to agree terms over a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Mateta is considering leaving Crystal Palace, forcing the Eagles to assess potential alternatives in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Crystal Palace could be forced to sell Mateta after contract talks fell through over a wage dispute.
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