Sports
Brennan Johnson makes Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Everton or Bournemouth decision
Crystal Palace have been given a transfer boost as one key target identifies Selhurst Park as his ‘preferred destination’ ahead of Premier League rivals.
Palace approach their New Year’s Day London derby against Fulham desperately seeking to arrest a concerning slide that threatens to undermine what has otherwise been a historic campaign under Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles have endured five matches without victory across all competitions, culminating in Saturday’s frustrating defeat against Tottenham that exposed the finishing deficiencies plaguing their recent performances.
Palace currently boast the Premier League’s worst expected goals differential this season, scoring 21 from an xG total of 29.4.
Crystal Palace make approach to sign another Tottenham player with Brennan Johnson
The Eagles could raid their London neighbours.
Glasner refused to blame individual players but acknowledged the glaring need for January reinforcements, telling reporters after the Tottenham loss that it was “pretty clear” what his squad requires.
“To be honest, if you watch our game today, it’s pretty clear what we need,” Glasner told the press. “Then, it’s the decision of Crystal Palace. If you’re constantly underperforming in scoring goals, what we can do is encourage the players, support them, and be positive.
“I can’t blame anybody for missing the chances, but we have to accept right now that we have a little bit of a lack of finishing quality in the team. “It looks like we can’t replace Ismaila Sarr, Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada, who are very often involved in our goals.
“But on the other side, we want to be back in the next week, so it’s now to support all the players.”
Off the field, Palace are moving to back Glasner, even if the Austrian is poised to leave at the end of this season.
Their top target right now is Brennan Johnson, with Palace agreeing a £35 million deal with Tottenham to sign the Welshman who finished last season as Ange Postecoglou’s top scorer.
Johnson also has admirers in Bournemouth, Everton and Sunderland though, according to Fabrizio Romano, with all three of those clubs still believed to be keen despite Palace and Spurs shaking hands on terms.
Brennan Johnson prefers Crystal Palace move in boost for Glasner
However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Eagles remain in pole position, with Johnson earmarking Palace as the club he most wants to join.
This comes in line with reports that Glasner’s side are preparing to schedule a medical for Johnson this week, and barring any late disasters, all signs point towards the ‘wonderful‘ forward choosing Selhurst Park.
“There’s more to come,” said former Wales boss Rob Page.
“He’s a wonderful talent, I’m looking forward to watching him in the Premier League next season and watching him grow with us. “Every time he comes on he impresses and shows his worth, he’s deserved his goal and he’s got a lot more to come.”
The 24-year-old also bagged Spurs’ Europa League final-winning goal in May, ending their 17-year trophy drought, but he’s now on the verge of a completely new project.
Crystal Palace eye ‘exceptional’ Chelsea manager target to replace Glasner
The Eagles face losing their boss at the end of this season.
