Crystal Palace are facing the possibility of another drawn-out transfer saga, this time featuring star winger Eberechi Eze.
Eze, 26, has been a standout player for the Eagles ever since he made the switch to Selhurst Park from QPR in 2020.
Last season, the England international bagged 11 goals and four assists in just 27 Premier League appearances – following some injury concerns.
It represented a second successive campaign of double figures for league goals, but that has naturally brought about interest in the Crystal Palace talisman.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Eze, with reports of talks held for the forward ahead of a summer move.
Eze has a release clause worth £68million that could see more teams join the race for his signature, with Manchester City the latest to do so, according to The Mirror.
While it would represent another huge loss, after Crystal Palace already lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, it could also create a chance to land a few stars from Man City themselves.
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Manchester City stars that could be included in Crystal Palace transfer
Kalvin Phillips
One option that Man City could look to offload this summer is midfielder Kalvin Phillips, following a tough few years at the club.
Pep Guardiola’s side paid out £45million to land the 28-year-old back in 2022 from Leeds United, but with just 31 appearances in that time, it has proven to be an unfruitful spell.
Phillips has shown signs of his clear quality over the years, but since that move to City, it has been difficult to return to that form.
A switch to Selhurst Park could see the midfielder hit the heights again, but there is no guarantee of that.
There are also plenty of midfield options available to Oliver Glasner in his Crystal Palace squad, making a deal unlikely.
James McAtee
Another option available could be James McAtee, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who is also capable of playing on the wing.
The youngster made his way through the ranks with Man City, receiving a handful of senior appearances before making two loan switches to Sheffield United.
In his time at Bramall Lane, McAtee has shown signs of promise with 14 goals and eight assists for the Blades.
The England youth international would likely be one for the future, but Dougie Freedman has shown his ability to pick out a young star and polish them into Premier League regulars.
While it wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Eze in the short term, the long-term benefits could be monumental.
Issa Kabore
The third and final option that Man City could include in a deal for Eze could well be defender Issa Kabore.
The 23-year-old is capable of playing as both a right-back and a centre-back, which would bolster the backline for Glasner.
Last season, Kabore spent the season on loan at Luton Town, where he made 24 Premier League appearances and impressed many.
With just one year left on the Burkina Faso international’s contract, it could prove to be a shrewd signing for Palace if the move is made.
