RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCrystal Palace keeping tabs on AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana
Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, according to Gazzetta dello Sport .
The Eagles desperately need midfield reinforcement following the departure of Daichi Kamada at the end of his contract with the club.
Meanwhile, Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure has spent most of the past two years sidelined.
There is also still the possibility of Adam Wharton leaving before the close of the transfer window.
The Conference League champions could use one or two bodies in midfield and are considering a move for the France international (25 caps).
Palace need a physical presence, and the 27-year-old fits the bill. He is a powerful box-to-box player with decent passing to boot.
Fofana excels at winning the ball back and driving forward with it but often struggles in the final third due to his poor decision-making.
Perhaps new Palace boss Pierre Sage can improve his final third play or use him in a more conservative defensive midfield role, which he prefers.
His club is asking for €15 to €20 million, which is a fair price considering some of the sums that teams have been throwing at players. He has two years left on his deal.
In the right system, he could be a fantastic player. His physicality would allow him to thrive in English football.
However, if Palace are unable to land Fofana, they should be knocking on the door for Lens’ Mamadou Sangare.
The 24-year-old has a working relationship with Sage from their time together in France and could help bring his tactics to life in this new setting.
Sorting the midfield will be next on the agenda for Palace after agreeing a deal to sign defender Chrislain Matsima to replace outgoing Maxence Lacroix.
The Eagles have also agreed personal terms with 19-year-old Raphael Le Guen. They are prepared to send an official offer to Brest to sign him after only six league appearances.
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