Sources: Crystal Palace striker signing plan revealed
Crystal Palace could revisit their need for a new striker next summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Croydon club want a top forward capable of scoring regular goals but are reluctant to pay over the odds in the January transfer window.
Roy Hodgson has already confirmed he is not likely to be in charge of Crystal Palace for the 2024-25 campaign – meaning a new boss could bring a fresh outlook.
Signing a striker to suit the new manager’s system is a priority for decision-makers at Selhurst Park.
Palace have also made a big decision on the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had looked set to leave the club in the January transfer window.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (22 December) that the Eagles are now ready to block an exit for Mateta after his recent goals against Man City and Liverpool.
The Frenchman has come into the side in the injury absence of Odsonne Edouard.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Palace are concerned about the viability of replacing Mateta in the January window – when prices are inflated and top targets are unlikely to be available for purchase.
Edouard is the Croydon club’s top scorer this season, netting seven goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Mateta (five) and Jordan Ayew (two) have also contributed for Hodgson’s side this term.
Palace signed Matheus Franca, Dean Henderson, Rob Holding and Jefferson Lerma in the most recent summer window.
In other news, Crystal Palace set to approach sacked Premier League boss.