The silly season us upon us as the January transfer window looms large and there is plenty of speculation around which areas Palace need to strengthen.
It is clear that Palace need to fill the left back slot and more importantly, find a goal scorer. Many are urging the club to focus on buying a ‘proven’ striker but what is ‘proven’? Such a player would cost a premium and would be sought after. If you want a proven Premier League striker you are looking the likes of Benteke, Costa, Aguero to name just three.
Could proven mean a striker that has scored plenty of goals at a lower level or in another league? Perhaps so but there is a big question about whether such a player could do it in the Premier League and for Palace come to that.
In the absence of signing one of the top Premier League strikers, whoever we sign is unlikely to be proven at this level or in this league and will be a gamble. Patience is the key. We have come out of previous transfer windows just fine. Maybe we will this one too.
We rarely get embroiled in rumour, preferring to leave that to the media who seem to fall over themselves by clamouring for the latest scoop or snippet of information. Instead, we nominate five players that we think Palace should target if they are not already doing so that would improve the current starting eleven.
Luiz Adriano
Shakhtar Donetsk. Striker. Age 27. Brazilian.
Possibility – unlikely
This is a reach as he could come at a cost both in transfer fee and wages. Currently in his sixth season for the Ukrainian club who guarantee Champions League football. He is a goal scorer and has played for the Brazil U20 and full national sides. Previously played for Internacional in Brazil. It is unlikely that his current club will want to lose him while they remain in European competition.
Eric Botteghin
Groningen. Centre defence. Age 27. Brazilian.
Possibility – doubtful
Currently plying his trade in the Eredivisie in his second season with Groningen. At an excellent age for his position and would be an excellent acquisition for Palace as his stock has increased ever since he first appearance for the Dutch club. Previously played for FC Zwolle and NAC Breda. It could be a culture shock moving to the Premier League from the Netherlands but he would not be the first.
Tyrone Mings
Ipswich Town. Left back. Age 21. English.
Possibility – target
It is no secret that Palace have been linked to this player on more than one occasion. It seems increasingly unlikely now that Chelsea and Arsenal are expressing interest as well. That could end up in our favour however as the young defender will likely want exposure to first team football in the Premier League. He is currently in his second season at Ipswich but his first only saw him secure a handful of starts.
Nathan Redmond
Norwich City. Attacking midfielder. Age 20. English.
Probability – potentially
Another player that Palace have been more than linked with as it is believed that the club made a £2 million bid for him while at Birmingham City. It will take more than that to prise the exciting wide player from Norwich City but it could be worth it. He has had a taste of the Premier League and a good offer could tempt both the player and the club to part ways.
Jordan Rhodes
Blackburn Rovers. Striker. Age 24. Scottish.
Probability – hopefully
A player that Palace have been linked with plenty of times before but Rhodes has been talked about and scouted by more clubs that can be mentioned in the past eighteen months or so. Blackburn have done well to retain his services but the former Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town player could be tempted with a shot at the top division. He is a natural goal scorer that is a little over six foot tall but as good on the floor as he is in the air.
Who do you think Palace should be looking to sign next month? Leave your comments and suggestions below this article, on our Facebook page or Tweet us.
