Crystal Palace ‘turn attention’ to Charlie Hughes deal after medical begins
Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the progress of Hull City centre-back Charlie Hughes as they plan to sign a long-term replacement for Marc Guehi.
Guehi has undergone a medical at Man City in the last 24 hours and is expected to be officially confirmed as their latest January signing in due course.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace scouts have been keeping a close eye on Hughes as one of their top targets.
Guehi‘s departure has come as a huge blow to Oliver Glasner, who would prefer the Eagles made a move for a ready-made replacement than a younger option.
While Crystal Palace are also considering more experienced options, Hughes is somebody who would fit their recruitment strategy long-term.
Crystal Palace set sights on Charlie Hughes
Crystal Palace targeted Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande as a high-profile replacement in the summer, and are still considering big-name targets.
However, they have been impressed by Hughes’ performances in the Championship and could make a move to beat rivals to his signature.
“Charlie Hughes is somebody Palace are looking at,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They’ve had scouts going to watch him and they’ve done their due diligence, he’s certainly been on their radar and he’s somebody they like.
“He’s still only young but he’s playing well in the Championship and would fit the bill. It would be a good next step in his career after establishing himself at Hull.
“They’re not the only club looking at him though, others are interested too.
“The debate then is whether they go and get a ready-made replacement, because Guehi is going to be a big miss for them. That’s what the manager will want.
“Somebody who can immediately step in and make an impact, rather than somebody who can come in but will take a while to get to that level.
“That would fit in more with what Palace have done in the past, bringing in a young player and developing them, but they’re in a difficult position.”
Oliver Glasner sack update emerges at Selhurst Park
Alongside ongoing transfer speculation, there is a renewed focus on Glasner’s short-term future amid suggestions he could be sacked after his recent outburst.
Palace lost 2-1 to Sunderland last time out, but the result was overshadowed by the manager’s comments as he hit out at the board and members of his squad.
However, a meeting was held to clear the air on Sunday morning, and Palace opted against pulling the trigger despite his hugely public comments.
Glasner led Palace to their first ever major trophy as they lifted the FA Cup in May, and has retained a lot of good will for doing so despite his latest comments.
However, fans have gone as far as to suggest Glasner has ruined his legacy at Crystal Palace, in what is potentially a bitter ending to the unprecedented success of his spell.
For more Crystal Palace and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.