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Strand Larsen now emerges as top target for Crystal Palace with talks opened
Crystal Palace have now opened talks to sign a “phenomenal” new striker, who has been identified as their new top target to replace Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Palace stepping up pursuit of new striker
The Palace team that famously lifted the FA Cup last year looks like it could be falling apart, with Marc Guehi joining Manchester City, and manager Oliver Glasner confirming he is set to leave upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.
Glasner may also be rocked by at least two more departures before the end of the month, as Jefferson Lerma’s agents are now eyeing a move to Palmeiras, while Mateta has now made it clear he wants to leave prior to the February 2nd deadline.
As such, there is likely to be plenty of work for Steve Parish & co to do before the transfer window closes, and bringing in a new striker is likely to be high on the list of priorities, given just how important Mateta has been over the years, scoring 56 goals in 185 games for the Eagles.
Rennes starlet Mohamed Kader Meite is among the potential targets to replace the Frenchman, with the south Londoners recently being named as frontrunners, but a much more experienced option is also in the frame.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Crystal Palace have now opened talks over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the Old Gold demanding £40m for the Norwegian.
Early discussions are now underway, with the 25-year-old being identified as one of Palace’s top targets, given that Glasner is keen to bring in a physical presence in attack.
Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton are also in the race for the centre-forward, but Leeds United are unlikely to secure his signature, due to financial constraints.
Strand Larsen could be “phenomenal” Mateta replacement
The 24-cap Norway international isn’t enjoying the best of seasons, netting just one Premier League goal, but there have been more encouraging signs as of late, with the striker bagging a hat-trick in the FA Cup, albeit against League Two opposition in Shrewsbury Town.
That said, the former Celta Vigo man has proven he has what it takes to deliver in the Premier League previously, bagging 14 goals last term, following up a very solid final campaign in La Liga, during which he found the back of the net 13 times.
Crystal Palace make Patrick Vieira 2.0 a top target to replace Glasner
Crystal Palace might look to appoint this fantastic replacement for Oliver Glasner, who could be their next Patrick Vieira.
Hailed as “phenomenal” by former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, the Wolves star could be a better option than Rennes’ Kader Meita, given that he is already proven in England, while the Ligue 1 ace is still inexperienced at just 18-years-old.
As such, Palace should look to capitalise on Wolves’ poor league standing by snapping up Strand Larsen this month.
