Crystal Palace could see a current forward head on loan to Europe as the club considers their options.
Despite being outside the transfer window, Crystal Palace are now receiving interest in one of their players.
This comes in the form of 21-year-old striker Luke Plange who is now being targeted for a loan move by a European side who have won four consecutive league titles.
This report comes the day after Plange grabbed a hat trick in U21 action vs Aston Villa which would’ve both sent a message to Oliver Glasner but also impressed potential loan options.
Here’s what we know about Plange’s loan interest…
Luke Plange now targeted for European loan move
According to South London Press, Plange is being targeted by reigning Finnish champions HJK Helsinki.
Helsinki are targeting the striker whom Glasner has named on the bench for three consecutive games ahead of their campaign kicking off in April.
Plange hasn’t travelled to Spain with the rest of the first-team squad which could open the door for him to join Helsinki on loan.
Negotiations over a loan will be boosted by the link to Palace that Helsinki has in the form of their CEO Aki Riihilahti who is a former Palace midfielder.
Who is former Crystal Palace man Aki Riihilahti?
Riihilahti is currently the 47-year-old CEO of Helsinki but before that, he had a long career as a central midfielder.
Signed by Palace in 2001, he remained until 2006 and made 173 appearances for the club according to Transfermarkt.
During this time while playing predominantly as a defensive midfielder he scored 14 goals and added one assist which is an impressive tally.
Riihilathi also made 69 caps for his country, scoring 11 goals and ultimately after retiring in 2012, had a very solid career in football.
Now, he seems keen to renew his relationship with his old team by taking Plange on loan.
