- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Crystal Palace are currently favourites to sign Ronnie Edwards from Peterborough this month, with Dougie Freedman confident about striking a deal – sources have told We Are Palace.
The England U20 international is widely expected to leave the League One outfit this month – although a loan move back to the Weston Homes Stadium is likely in the event of a sale.
So, what is the latest on Crystal Palace target Ronnie Edwards? Let’s take a look…
Ronnie Edwards update
Well, Crystal Palace have plenty of competition to fend off, although there is optimism at Selhurst Park about a deal being struck before deadline day.
Sources have informed We Are Palace that West Ham and Fulham are also keen to sign Edwards this month, while Aston Villa, Newcastle and Leicester admire the 20-year-old as well.
Talks are ongoing between Crystal Palace and Peterborough, with the overall package expected to be worth £10m.
Freedman – Director of Football at Selhurst Park – is seemingly preparing for one of Marc Guehi or Joachim Andersen to depart south London this summer.
The England international has been linked with a move to Arsenal – whereas the Denmark international is said to be a target for Newcastle.
Edwards has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Peterborough so far this season, scoring two goals.
Crystal Palace need to show urgency
Crystal Palace are typically a club who do business late in the transfer window.
While there is some sense in that approach as bargains emerge around deadline day, this is a deal which needs to be finalised soon given the level of competition.
West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all likely to be able to offer Edwards European football next season, and have deeper pockets than Crystal Palace.
Therefore – while we are currently in pole position to sign the central defender – Freedman must act swiftly.
