Crystal Palace are set to hold talks to sign FC Midtjylland defender Ousmane Diao, having identified him as a top target to replace Marc Guehi.
Palace’s defensive record since Guehi signed for Man City
Losing club captain Guehi in the January transfer window was a blow, with the England international joining Manchester City, but Palace have remained largely solid at the back since he left, conceding 17 goals in the Premier League.
The Eagles have shipped just 42 goals all season, which is the joint-third best record in the top flight, with the likes of Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Jaydee Canvot and Chadi Riad stepping up to the plate at centre-back.
AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola recently praised Oliver Glasner‘s backline, saying: They defend so well, so organized, and they are after very— it’s a very well-coached team. They know what they are doing.
“Consistent, normally the lineups quite consistent, the system is always the same, but the things they do, they do them so well that it’s difficult to create clear chances against Palace.
Crystal Palace defensive contributions per 90
Number completed
Jaydee Canvot
11.7
Jefferson Lerma
11.1
Maxence Lacroix
10.9
Adam Wharton
10.4
Chris Richards
10.0
However, Crystal Palace remain very keen on signing a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, according to a report from Sports Boom, which states Midtjylland defender Diao is now their top target.
The 21-year-old is viewed as a replacement for Guehi, and Palace are set to open talks about a deal as soon as the season comes to a close, with the Danish club looking to receive up to €20m (£17m).
Scout Jacek Kulig has described the youngster as a “powerful” defender, while also praising him for his speed and the threat he poses from set-pieces.
However, there is plenty of work to do before the Eagles step up their move for the defender, with Europa Conference League glory well within their sights.
Crystal Palace closing in on Europa Conference League final
Crystal Palace have one foot in the final of the Europa Conference League, after a dominant 3-1 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland in the first leg of the semi-final.
Glasner doesn’t want his side to get ahead of themselves ahead of the second leg on Thursday night though.
“Overall we are very pleased with the performance but it’s just the first step,” said the Palace boss, speaking to TNT. “We will analyse this game, because I believe we have to perform even better at home to get to the final in Leipzig.”
The Austrian is looking to go out in style at the end of the season, but the search to find a new manager is well underway.
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