Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in Junior Sambia, as Patrick Vieira eyes a bargain signing to shore up a key area of his squad.
According to Le 10 Sport, Crystal Palace are interested in Junior Sambia and could look to sign the versatile star in the summer window. The 25-year-old Montpellier ace is available on a free transfer, and the Premier League outfit could face competition from Marseille for his signature.
Patrick Viera has brought about a new style and changed the complexion of Crystal Palace since he took over last summer. There is a sense of balance in the squad, and the Frenchman will use the summer transfer window to strengthen his team further.
There are several areas, including the right midfield and the right-back spots, that need focus from the club. Conor Gallagher currently occupies one of the midfield positions and is likely to return to Chelsea when his season-long loan deal expires. Crystal Palace are interested in options to replace the English midfielder, although it will be a tricky affair.
Meanwhile, the right-back area will be considered key by Vieira as he looks for a new player to take over. Joel Ward is currently the primary choice and was recently leapfrogged by Nathaniel Clyne. Those two are good but not considered for the long-term future. Hence, Crystal Palace are actively searching for options.
The Eagles do not want to overspend and hence, remain linked with some options that are either cheap or young. Crystal Palace were previously linked with Ben Doak, but they may now switch their attention towards a more established player in that position, especially with Liverpool set to win the race to land the Celtic prodigy.
Montpellier’s Junior Sambia is the newest name linked with a move, as the 25-year-old versatile Ligue 1 star will be available on a free transfer in the summer. The French-born right-back is tracked by other clubs, including Marseille, who were keen on signing him in January.
As Montpellier refused to sanction a move then, Marseille are now keen to sign him on a free transfer. However, if Crystal Palace are interested, Sambia might well be interested in moving to England, where the finances will be better than the ones on offer in France.
Sambia can play as a defensive midfielder, which adds to his versatility. Those qualities have attracted Crystal Palace towards him and they could certainly make an offer in the summer transfer window to prise the 25-year-old away. He will be an upgrade over Clyne or Ward in the current squad.
It remains to be seen if Crystal Palace are serious about their interest and what sort of offer they table after the current season ends. Marseille remain confident, but they could be outmuscled by Palace with a lucrative offer financially.
