Sources: Crystal Palace battle Leeds for Jorgen Strand Larsen after ‘£30m’ bid submitted
Crystal Palace are preparing a move to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as they assess potential replacements for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
There is no shortage of interest in the striker this month, however, after Leeds made a formal offer to Wolves with the likes of Nottingham Forest also plotting a move.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the 25-year-old is high on the Eagles list of replacements for Mateta.
Palace sporting director Matt Hobbs has strong connections at Wolves after his time there and is believed to be leading the pursuit of Strand Larsen.
However, they will only step up their interest in Mateta leaves this month, and Oliver Glasner‘s side remain hopeful of keeping the France international.
Crystal Palace join race to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen
Football Insider revealed on 10 January that Wolves will demand £40million for Strand Larsen this month and are reluctant to sell despite the growing interest.
Leeds, Palace and Forest are not the only clubs being linked with the striker, but the former have made the biggest move, with a reported £30million bid rejected.
Crystal Palace are only expected to make a move if Mateta is sold, with his situation developing, although they are hopeful of not being forced into the market.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “The other name that I’ve heard mentioned at Crystal Palace is Jorgen Strand Larsen, obviously from Wolves.
“There’s a million clubs being linked with him, Forest, Everton, Leeds.
“Palace would be prepared to sort of join them in that race and see if they could get that deal done.
“There are admirers of him at Palace and Matt Hobbs, the sporting director, obviously worked with him at Wolves as well.
“So that could be one Palace look at if Mateta leaves, which obviously as you said they don’t really want to do in January if they can help it.”
Crystal Palace respond to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer request
Mateta has formally asked to leave Palace amid growing frustrations at the club’s ambitions following Marc Guehi’s sale and Glasner’s imminent exit.
However, Football Insider revealed on 23 January that Crystal Palace do not want to lose Mateta this month and hope to hang on to him until the end of the season.
If they can persuade Mateta to stay until the end of the season, they will open the door to his departure in the next window, having already rebuffed offers this month.
The Eagles rejected a loan offer with an obligation to buy from Juventus which didn’t suit their demands, and Aston Villa have since expressed their interest.
However, if any club meets Palace’s lofty asking price, they could be persuaded to let him go and will immediately move to land his replacement.
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