Crystal Palace has opened talks on signing former Liverpool defender Ozan Kabak, according to reports.
Kabak spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool by Schalke as an emergency measure due to his injury crisis. Their three senior center-backs were ruled out due to long-term injuries at the same time, forcing them to take cover. So, in January, they brought in Kabak on loan and Ben Davies on a permanent contract.
Instead, it was their academy graduates who played the biggest role in strengthening the bottom line. Nat Phillips in particular has impressed, as far as he is now envision a future away from Anfield play more regularly.
By necessity, also Kabak, who Liverpool did not sign definitively after the end of his loan period. He was a useful option for them when they were called up, but they focused elsewhere to sign Ibrahima Konate in early summer instead.
So, Kabak is looking for a solution and he is unlikely to be back at his parent club. Schalke suffered a rare relegation last season meaning they are likely to sell the Turkey international at a discount.
His destination could be back in the Premier League, where he has been linked with Palace, Newcastle and Leicester.
Reports earlier this month suggested that Leicester led the race for his signing. However, according to The Guardian, he is actually not a target for them.
Instead, it is claimed that Palace are currently in talks on the possibility of signing the center-half from Schalke.
The Eagles already have added Marc Guehi to their Chelsea backline and Kabak would be another long-term prospect. A major summer rebuild is underway for Palace and it would be a beneficial endeavor if they can do it.
However, they face competition from anonymous clubs in Germany and Spain. There is no mention of Newcastle in the report.
Kabak could cost between £ 10m and £ 12m, which seems like a wise investment for a 21-year-old with some Premier League – and Champions League experience.
Two other possible Palace targets named
After releasing several members of the squad from last season, Palais need to find reinforcements in all areas of their squad.
The report adds two more players they are considering, to strengthen in midfield and attack.
First, they have expressed interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who impressed on loan at West Brom last season. He may be available for another loan, even if he is currently enjoy being part of the senior configuration of their parent club again.
Additionally, Palace are considering a move for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard, who is in the final year of his contract. A move south of the border seems likely for Edward, who has a connection to Selhurst Park; he has already been coached by their new development coach, Said Aigoun, at the time of the PSG academy.
It’s a busy summer for Palace, but it looks like they are on the right track with what they need to do.
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