Crystal Palace have suffered a blow to land Lens midfielder Andy Diouf at Selhurst Park, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Eagles are 15th in the league table, and they are looking to add more depth and quality to their squad in the January window.
Oliver Glasner will be backed by the Palace owners, and it seems they are looking to add players in multiple positions.
The transfer expert wrote on X that Palace have made an approach to sign the 21-year-old midfielder this month, but Lens have rejected it immediately as they do not have any wish to sell him.
Diouf joined Lens in the summer of 2023 from Rennes and has been a key player for the Ligue 1 side. He has made 48 appearances so far, scoring two goals.
This season, he has made 15 appearances in the league. He can play as a traditional number six, defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder, and Palace must have been attracted by his versatility.
Crystal Palace will remain busy in the January window
The Eagles made an approach to sign Liverpool winger Ben Doak this month, but the Reds have no interest in selling him.
Doak is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, where he is enjoying a superb campaign. Sky Sports claim that Doak is one of Palace’s top targets this month, but they have not come close to meeting Liverpool’s valuation for the player.
🚨🔵🔴 EXCL: Crystal Palace approach RC Lens to sign 2003 born midfielder Andy Diouf.
RC Lens have rejected the approach from #CPFC as they don’t want to sell Diouf in January, no intention to proceed. pic.twitter.com/klQl1v4tg3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2025
Palace can come up with a better offer but they must look for options elsewhere. The Reds believe that Doak still has a future at Anfield and can play in Arne Slot’s first team eventually.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Eagles are keen to sign Slavia Prague defender who would be ideal cover for Tyrick Mitchell at Selhurst Park.
Prague have asked for £20 million and that is more than Eagles are willing to pay for the African defender.
Jeffrey Schlupp could be sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers this month.
