Top 1% for dribbling: Crystal Palace now "show interest" in "amazing" ace

Crystal Palace are now showing interest in an “amazing” player, who is “expected” to leave his current club this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Palace eyeing centre-back amid Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi’s Palace future has been a hot topic for quite some time now, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be keen on the centre-back, including the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Chelsea.

There may have been feint hope that qualification for the Europa League could tempt Guehi into signing a new deal to remain at Selhurst Park, but there are now doubts over whether the Eagles will even be allowed to play in the competition next season.

The 24-year-old will, of course, be eager to play European football at this stage of his career, so the recent developments are likely to be a concern, although UEFA are yet to make a final decision on the matter and the feeling is Palace will be allowed entry onto the continental stage.

That said, the England international could depart regardless, meaning Palace could be faced with the very difficult task of replacing him this summer, and Romano has now revealed one of the targets they have in mind.

In a recent update on X, the transfer expert has revealed that Crystal Palace have now started to “show interest” in Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, who is “expected” to leave the Italian club after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Porto.

The Eagles are said to have a three-man shortlist of centre-back targets for the summer, and Djalo is among them, but their interest appears to be tentative at this stage, given that they are yet to make any formal moves.

“Amazing” Djalo needs fresh start at new club

The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the 25-year-old, featuring just eight times for FC Porto in the Liga Portugal, which is unlikely to have impressed parent club Juventus, and he is in need of a fresh start at a new club this summer.

Despite failing to make an impact in Portugal, there are some signs the Portuguese defender could be a solid signing for Oliver Glasner’s side, having once been lauded as “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

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The Eagles have swooped in to sign a Champions League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

Moreover, the £24k-a-week centre-back showcased his passing and dribbling ability while on loan at Porto over the past year, although he was less impressive from a defensive point of view.

In truth, however, it will be a tall order for Palace to find any defender capable of replacing Guehi, and it would be a real gamble to pursue a move for Djalo.