Crystal Palace are expected to announce Eddie Nketiah and Maxence Lacroix today – but Dougie Freedman is trying to land another player too.
The Eagles are likely to kick off deadline day by unveiling Nketiah after a £30m fee was agreed with Arsenal – while Lacroix is also set to be revealed by Crystal Palace after an £18m deal was struck with VfL Wolfsburg.
Now – however – Dougie Freedman is aiming to complete a third signing on deadline day as Crystal Palace decide to hijack Southampton’s negotiations…
Crystal Palace decide to join Southampton in race to sign West Ham No.22 Maxwel Cornet
A story from the Mirror now states that Crystal Palace are looking to beat Southampton to the signing of Maxwel Cornet from West Ham on transfer deadline day.
It is said that Southampton have been in talks with the Hammers to sign the Ivory Coast international on loan, but talks are now advancing between Crystal Palace as well.
The Mirror add that the decision is likely to rest with Cornet – who West Ham signed in a £17.5m move from Burnley back in August 2022 – should both Crystal Palace and Southampton strike an agreement with the east Londoners.
Last season, the man from Bregbo, aged 27, only made seven Premier League appearances for West Ham – scoring one goal – as he struggled to make the starting XI.
Dougie Freedman pursuing another favourite
Much was made of Freedman finally signing Ismaila Sarr in a £12.6m deal this summer – having chased the Senegal international since 2018 – and Cornet represents another favourite for the Glaswegian.
Crystal Palace came close to signing the Ivorian back in January before the deal collapsed, and also had a look at him in the summer of 2023.
Interestingly, Crystal Palace even agreed personal terms with Cornet last January, although West Ham pulled the plug after also allowing Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma to depart in the winter window.
Now – however – Freedman could finally get his man.
Be sure to keep an eye out for further developments, as talks between Crystal Palace and West Ham continue…
