Crystal Palace are in a race against time to bolster their squad before Monday's transfer deadline, with a six-man shortlist drawn up. However, they've withdrawn from the pursuit of Leicester City's El Bilal Khannouss.
Manager Olivier Glasner, who guided the Eagles to an unprecedented FA Cup victory last season, has been vocal about his ambition to reinforce his team throughout the summer. Yet, their response has been sluggish, with only £2million invested on two players so far - back-up goalkeeper Walter Benitez and reserve full-back Borna Sosa.
The Eagles are set to face Norwegian side Fredrikstad FK in the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday evening, carrying a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg. With the potential for additional matches in the group stage of the European competition, the need to expand the squad is even more pressing, especially following the departure of star player Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for a hefty £67.5million fee.
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Club captain Marc Guehi could be the next to exit, with his contract due to expire next summer. Liverpool are keen to secure the England international's services, but chairman Steve Parish remains steadfast on his valuation.
Whilst Parish has been busy trying to retain his top players at Selhurst Park, he's also been embroiled in a legal battle with UEFA. Now, he's finally shifting his focus towards recruiting new talent, reports the Mirror.
Palace are monitoring six players and are progressing with several potential deals.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher - who enjoyed a fruitful loan stint in south London four years ago - remains a target.
However, it's been suggested that the England international is content in Spain and commands a substantial wage, though Atletico may be compelled to sell due to PSR constraints and could accept a fee of approximately £40million.
Palace are also tracking Villarreal forward Yeremy Pino, with the Spain international viewed as a potential replacement for Eze.
The 22 year old is in no hurry to depart his current club but the Premier League side haven't been deterred, and remain optimistic about reducing his £40m valuation.
The club are no longer pursuing El Khannouss but should the Pino transfer fail to materialise, Christos Tzolis at Bruges represents an alternative option.
RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner is also featured on their wishlist.
Palace additionally seek to bolster their defensive ranks, anticipating Guehi's departure, and have made enquiries about Manchester City star Manuel Akanji.
The Switzerland international has also attracted interest from Galatasaray and Bayer Leverkusen.
Another centre-back possibility is Toulouse's Jaydee Canvot, who is similarly coveted by Aston Villa.
Palace are preparing themselves for Guehi's exit - but Glasner has already cautioned the club's hierarchy that they face "big trouble" if they lose their captain before securing replacements. Speaking after the first-leg victory against Fredrikstad last week, the exasperated boss declared: "I just know if Marc leaves and he's not available for Fredrikstad we will have big troubles.
"It's pretty clear, we can't register anyone, so from my side he has to stay."
When questioned whether he meant solely for the Fredrikstad clash or the entire campaign, Glasner responded: "We played with Jefferson Lerma in the back today.
"He's a midfield player. We have no centre-back available at the moment, and if Marc leaves, OK, maybe I will try my boots, because I was a centre-back. This could be an option. I will think about it."
Glasner had previously highlighted his dilemma during a Channel 5 interview where, when asked about the significance of retaining Guehi, he stated: "We have to. Honestly, we have to, especially for the second leg."
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