Rumour: Crystal Palace line up Michy Batshuayi swoop

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As England licks its footballing wounds, the Premier League clubs are starting to go into overdrive in the summer transfer market. Crystal Palace are the latest admirer of Michy Batshuayi, 22, Marseille’s Belgian striker.

A scorer for his country in the 4–0 win over Hungary, Batshuayi has made it clear he wants to leave the Ligue Un side. Italian champions, Juventus, bid €30m earlier in the summer whilst West Ham United bid €40m last week as the race for the talented youngster hots up.

Juve are thought to be the player’s preferred choice but with both Premier League clubs offering significantly more in fees, Marseille may be unwilling to let Batshuayi move to Turin.

Palace chairman, Steve Parrish, already in contract with the French club over goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, 31, made his move for Batshuayi whilst in France watching England’s Euro 2016 demise against Iceland.

The south London club face a fight with Chelsea over Mandanda with the Blues looking to land the former French international as a replacement for Asmir Begovic, 28. Palace are thought to be ready to offer the Bosnian a route out of Stamford Bridge if they fail in their bid for Mandanda.

Palace have also triggered the £10.5m release clause of 24 year-old Newcastle United winger, Andros Townsend. The England international is much in demand this summer but has made it clear that he would prefer a return to London if he leaves St James Park.

 

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