Crystal Palace could look to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window, but may need to find cheaper options in the market.
All indications point towards Crystal Palace attempting loan deals in the market, but if an opportunity to strengthen can be found, then a permanent deal cannot be ruled out.
They may have now found a good opportunity to add an in-form goalscorer in Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
The 28-year-old has been in devastating form this season, scoring 18 times in 28 games across all competitions for the SPL side.
Crystal Palace have scouted Lawrence Shankland
Speaking to HITC Football, transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed that Crystal Palace are amongst the clubs who have scouted Shankland this season.
“We understand Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Hull and Middlesbrough are amongst the clubs who have watched Shankland closely in recent weeks,” the report from Bailey stated.
Although they would face competition from these clubs, as well as Scottish giants Celtic, Palace may fancy themselves as able to offer Shankland first-team opportunities in the Premier League.
Should Crystal Palace sign Lawrence Shankland?
If the potential fee is low enough, then the 28-year-old Scotland International could be worth a gamble. He can play both as a number nine and just behind the striker, and has an incredibly strong goalscoring record across several clubs North of the border.
However, it remains to be seen whether this form could be translated to the Premier League. Odsonne Edouard joined Crystal Palace from Celtic as one of the best strikers in Scotland, but his scoring record has been hit and miss throughout his time in England.
Palace may also prioritise a midfielder and a winger over a central striker, but if Shankland can be obtained for a low fee, it may be a potentially low-risk market opportunity in January to bolster the squad.
The future of Jean-Philippe Mateta is unclear, and if he was to leave, he would need a replacement without breaking the bank, and signing a player who has scored seven times in his last six league games could be a good way of injecting some quality into the Palace attack.
