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Crystal Palace make contact to sign Strand Larsen as Wolves name surprising price tag
Crystal Palace have been in contact to sign a “fantastic” Premier League striker, with his club now willing to cash-in for the right fee this month.
Palace stepping up pursuit of new striker amid interest in Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta didn’t exactly put himself in the shop window with his performance against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 5.8, after winning just two of the nine duels he contested in the disappointing 2-0 defeat.
However, as the Frenchman’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and fresh terms are yet to be agreed, interest from some rival Premier League clubs is now starting to grow.
With that in mind, Palace have now set out to bring in a potential replacement, and it was recently revealed that Strasbourg star Joaquin Panichelli has been identified as their top target.
However, another option has also entered the frame, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Eagles have been in contact over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jorgen Strand Larsen, but they are not alone in their pursuit.
Indeed, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are also in the race for the striker, with his current employers willing to cash-in for £40m this month, given that they are almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League.
With Wolves keen to protect the Norwegian’s value, they are now open to a sale, but the Eagles should have some reservations about pursuing a move for the former Celta Vigo man…
Strand Larsen would be risky signing for Palace
Crystal Palace have already broken their transfer record once this month, shelling out £35m to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur, and they may need to do so again if they are to win the race for the Wolves centre-forward.
Same agent as Johnson: Crystal Palace join race to sign “outstanding” colossus
The Eagles have been named as potential suitors for a centre-back.
However, the Halden-born striker’s performances this season leave a lot to be desired, having been relegated to the bench for the past three Premier League matches, as a result of scoring just one goal this term.
There are some indications the Norway international could be a success at Selhurst Park, given that he scored 14 top-flight goals last season, during which time the Wolves ace was lauded as “fantastic” by former manager Vitor Pereira.
The Eagles’ main priority, however, should be to keep hold of Mateta, as despite struggling against Newcastle last time out, the 28-year-old has been reliable in front of goal this season, netting eight goals in 20 Premier League outings.
