Same agent as Johnson: Crystal Palace join race to sign “outstanding” colossus
Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign an “outstanding” new centre-back, following a new update on Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park.
Palace looking to sign Guehi replacement
After Liverpool missed out on the signing of Guehi on deadline day, it remains up in the air where the England international will end up, but according to a new update, a move to Real Madrid could be on the cards, as the Santiago Bernabeu is the Palace captain’s priority destination.
Oliver Glasner remained tight-lipped when asked for an update on the defender’s future, saying: “You will ask me all these questions again and again and again. I need to find one answer. I will always tell you the same, as long as I don’t know anything else. Because, believe me, if I knew something. I would tell you.
“I don’t know what will happen with Marc [Guehi]. I don’t know what will happen with new players, and I don’t know what will happen with JP [Jean-Philippe Mateta], I don’t know anything.”
However, the Eagles have now started planning for life after Guehi, with the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and the likes of Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Lens star Samson Baidoo have emerged as targets.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Crystal Palace have also joined the race to sign Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet, having sent scouts to watch the Frenchman in action, but there could be competition for his signature from rival Premier League clubs.
Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Solet, who is represented by the same agent as Brennan Johnson, and could be available in a loan-to-buy agreement during the current transfer window.
Crystal Palace now join race to sign "magnificent" forward after Nketiah blow
The Eagles have set out to strengthen in attack.
ByDominic Lund "Outstanding" Solet could be exciting Guehi heir
The Melun-born defender has been a key player for Udinese in the Serie A this season, making 18 appearances, while he also caught scout Antonio Mango’s eye during his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
Having averaged 1.89 tackles per 90 over the past year, the Udinese ace ranks in the 80th percentile, when compared to other centre-backs, with an average of 1.52 blocks per 90 placing him in the 83rd percentile.
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The 6 foot 4 colossus is also known for his ability to push forward, being described as “marauding” by scout Jacek Kulig, which could make him a solid replacement for Guehi, who is also capable of making an impact in attack, picking up two goals and two assists in the Premier League this term.
Solet could be an exciting addition to Glasner’s squad, but rival interest from the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United could pose a problem.