Crystal Palace could be adding to their midfield ranks in January as reports link them with a move for Sunderland starlet Pierre Ekwah.
Roy Hodgson‘s side are in dire need of reinforcements across the field, particularly in the midfield and attack. An awful run of form has enveloped over the last few months which has left the squad looking threadbare and the manager on the verge of departure.
While a forward is believed to be the priority due to Jean-Philippe Mateta being a player almost sure to leave the club, the midfield is now the subject of some transfer linkings.
Crystal Palace have seen a few names mentioned with interest lately but the most recent could be the most exciting of the lot.
Pierre Ekwah to Crystal Palace
According to TeamTalk, Crystal Palace are set to face stiff competition as they begin showing interest in 21-year-old midfielder Pierre Ekwah from Sunderland.
They reported: “Premier League sides Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are all showing serious interest in the central midfielder and could try and make a move when the transfer window reopens in January.”
This would see the Black Cats make a speedy return on their investment after the midfielder joined from West Ham’s youth ranks last January.
The Frenchman turns 22 in January and would be an exciting signing for Palace, one which would see a player who is developing rapidly join the club.
Interestingly the Eagles are facing a battle with West Ham who are looking to get their former youth prospect back. However Sunderland won’t be keen to sell, and while he has a market value of just £430k on Transfermarkt, it’s expected that he would in fact cost quite a deal more.
Although a fee will undoubtedly be within the budget of Palace given they’ll have Premier League funds behind them to bring the Frenchman to Selhurst Park.
Pierre Ekwah profile
Full name: Pierre-Emmanuel Ekwah Elimby
Age: 21
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Nationality: France
Date of birth: 15th January 2002
Place of birth: Massy, France
Salary: £3,000-a-week
Position: Centre-midfield
Club: Sunderland
