Crystal Palace plot January move to sign Archie Brown - Insider

Crystal Palace are plotting a move to sign KAA Gent left-back Archie Brown ahead of the January transfer window.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he revealed the 22-year-old has been on Palace's radar for a while and was among their targets in the summer.

Tyrick Mitchell remains a crucial player in Oliver Glasner's team and has started all 19 of their games across all competitions so far this season.

However, new concerns have emerged about the depth in his position, with Nathaniel Clyne often the man called upon to replace Mitchell late in games.

Glasner previously revealed that signing a new left-wing-back would be among Palace's priorities as he admitted: "When we look at the left wing-back position, maybe we don’t have many left-footed wing-backs."

Now, they have turned their attentions to Brown, who has established himself as a hot prospect while playing for Gent in the Belgian Pro League.

The success of Daniel Munoz, who arrived from fellow Belgian outfit Genk in January 2024, has encouraged Palace over the wing-back's ability to make the transition to Premier League football.

Crystal Palace plot Archie Brown swoop in January

Football Insider revealed in November that West Ham have also been monitoring Brown as an option to improve their defensive quality ahead of the January window.

Now, Mick Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Palace consider him among their top targets in defence.

"That's one they'd like to do in January," he told Football Insider.

"I've heard his name mentioned a few times and he's a player they looked at in the summer, he's somebody they're very keen on.

"He's English, as well, which is a boost for a lot of clubs and will inspire plenty of interest.

"He's not somebody I've seen play to be honest, but Palace have been watching him.

"Recruiting from places like Belgium leads to questions about whether they can make the step up.

"But if you look at Munoz, he's been excellent since he arrived at Palace and he came from Belgium as well, so that will be promising for them.

"They want a left-wing-back though, Palace, and I'm expecting them to make a move in January whether it's for Brown or somebody else.

"Mitchell has been excellent for them, but they don't have enough depth in the position, so they'll look to sign somebody who can provide another option and maybe push Mitchell."

In other news, Crystal Palace are ready to agree Odsonne Edouard move.

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