Crystal Palace target move for Kelechi Iheanacho

Crystal Palace are plotting a bid for Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to Standard Sport.

The Premier League outfit’s interest comes in light of uncertainties surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future, with a potential departure from Selhurst Park looming large this summer. 

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has placed Iheanacho atop his transfer wishlist as he looks to add firepower following the recent departure of club legend Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray.

Iheanacho is a crucial player for Leicester City, and they expect him to play an important role in their endeavour to regain their Premier League status after relegation.

This season, the 26-year-old has started all but one of their four games in the Championship and League Cup, netting once. He has 56 goals and 34 assists in 260 appearances for Leicester City since he joined them from Manchester City.

However, despite the Foxes’ reluctance to part ways with the Nigerian striker, the potential for a cut-price deal is gaining traction. 

Iheanacho’s contract will expire next summer, and Leicester will want to avoid losing him for free next summer.

With Mateta exploring opportunities elsewhere, Palace could swoop for Iheanacho. Both Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have displayed keen interest in Mateta. 

However, Leipzig’s advances, including a loan bid and a £7 million permanent transfer offer, have been rejected. 

Mateta’s absence from Palace’s squad in their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal yesterday has fuelled speculation regarding his future.

Crystal Palace are also in the market for a goalkeeper following a reported falling out between manager Hodgson and long-standing number one, Vicente Guaita. 

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Hodgson alleges that the 36-year-old Guaita refused to play, a claim vehemently denied by sources close to the player. 

This situation has prompted the club to explore alternative options, with Manchester United’s Dean Henderson and Leicester’s Daniel Iversen emerging as potential choices.