Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Belgian defender Koni De Winter from Juventus.
According to a report from Tutto Juve, Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham United have asked for information regarding Koni De Winter. The 20-year-old defender has impressed for Empoli on loan from Juventus this season.
However, the talented young defender dreams of joining Juventus full time next season after his loan deal expires. The player is reportedly valued between €15 million and €20 million, and it will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace or West Ham decide to make a move for him in the coming months.
Both Crystal Palace and West Ham could use defensive reinforcements at the end of the season, and De Winter could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for them.
David Moyes could lose Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson at the end of the season when their contracts expire. And the West Ham manager needs to bring in quality replacements. The 20-year-old Belgian defender is highly rated and has a big future ahead of him. If West Ham manage to secure his services at the end of the season, it could prove to be a smart long-term investment.
Furthermore, the reported valuation of between €15 million and €20 million seems quite reasonable for a player of his potential. De Winter could end up justifying the outlay in the coming seasons. But West Ham also have other targets on their radar, including Jakub Kiwior.
Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira has put together a talented young squad at Crystal Palace. And the arrival of the Belgian defender will only add to the talent pool at Selhurst Park. It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace and West Ham can convince Juventus to sell him.
Southampton are keen on the Belgian youngster as well and could come forward with a concrete offer in the coming months. Given the fact that De Winter dreams of playing for Juventus, it could be difficult for the three Premier League clubs when it comes to convincing him of a move.
Furthermore, Juventus might not be keen on letting a prodigious young talent like him leave either. So Crystal Palace, West Ham and Southampton might have to focus on their other targets in the coming year.
