The winter transfer window is still over two months away, but Crystal Palace are already making plans.
A new Director of Football has arrived in Matt Hobbs – who left Wolves in June – and the Englishman will look to pick up from where Dougie Freedman left off at Selhurst Park.
The Glaswegian made a habit of signing top talent from the Championship and had his eyes on Jobe Bellingham before moving to Saudi Arabia in March – a player Hobbs could yet bring to Crystal Palace.
Ben Jacobs says Crystal Palace are “more active” than Manchester United in Jobe Bellingham battle
Borussia Dortmund beat Crystal Palace and Manchester United to the England U21 international back in June – spending £27m to sign the midfielder from Sunderland.
However, Bellingham has only made two starts in the Bundesliga under Niko Kovac so far this season, and is understood to want a more prominent role.
Discussing the topic on YouTube for The United Stand, Ben Jacobs said: “Jobe Bellingham’s situation is very interesting. Manchester United’s interest is historical. I think Crystal Palace actually are a bit more active.
“He’s maybe agitating a bit more to get a chance mid-season in some capacity and we have to understand how Dortmund react to that. He may be a surprise name available in some capacity.”
Adam Wharton has many admirers as Crystal Palace face the prospect of losing the England international – so perhaps Bellingham is being lined up as a potential replacement.
However, Jacobs went on record with an exclusive during the summer to confidently state that Crystal Palace would win the battle against UEFA and play Europa League football this season – so his comments must be taken with a pinch of salt.
Adam Wharton not the only central midfielder who could soon leave Selhurst Park
All eyes are on Wharton as he continues to shine under Oliver Glasner, but the midfield department could see others depart soon.
Daichi Kamada sees his contract expire in July, and there has been no indication as of yet that the Japan international wants to stay.
Cheick Doucoure is also yet to prove his fitness amid a string of niggling injuries, while Will Hughes becomes a free agent 12 months after Kamada in July 2027.
As a result, Crystal Palace could certainly use a new face in the central midfield department.
