Crystal Palace Transfer News: Glasner in last-minute talks for Ligue 1 ace

Crystal Palace are said to be ‘determined’ to secure a deal for a centre-back before Monday’s transfer deadline – and are now reportedly in talks for a Ligue 1 defender.

It has been a highly tumultuous period for the Eagles, who saw captain Marc Guehi depart for Manchester City and manager Oliver Glasner declare his desire to move on at the end of the season.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is nearing a move away as the clock ticks towards the 7pm transfer deadline, while their move for his potential replacement, Jorgen Strand Larsen, hangs in the balance.

But according to reports in France, they may have identified a successor to Guehi in the Palace backline – but face a race against time.

According to Foot Mercato, Crystal Palace talks are ‘underway’ with Lyon over the potential transfer of centre-back Ruben Kluivert, who only joined the Ligue 1 side this summer.

Brother of Bournemouth midfielder Justin, Ruben has worked his way into Paulo Fonseca’s first-team plans after beginning the league season as a substitute, although he has been a regular in the French club’s Europa League campaign.

He scored his first Ligue 1 goal for Lyon last week in their win over Metz and created an impressive match-winning assist in their weekend victory against Lille, which perhaps showcased why Palace are reportedly ‘determined’ to sign him.

Despite only recently arriving at Lyon, the club apparently see it as an opportunity to gain a chunky profit, while Foot Mercato’s report also mentions their links to PSG defender Noham Kamara, which suggests that a would-be replacement is already being sought.

As for Palace, their form has suffered significantly over the past few months, with the Eagles sinking down the table.

Losing Guehi was undoubtedly a huge blow, but if Kluivert’s attributes are anything to go by, he can provide assistance at both ends of the pitch, especially if he takes to the Premier League as well as Cherries star Justin.

However, with just hours remaining in the window, it appears that a lot of things have to happen before he becomes Palace’s latest recruit.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.

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