Crystal Palace still 'keen' on signing long-term 20 G/A target

Crystal Palace have been ‘looking for a striker’ amid interest in Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Eagles have long been linked to the 22-year-old and have also reportedly been keeping close tabs on a handful of other marksmen ahead of potential moves when the market reopens.

Patrick Vieira brought in Odsonne Edouard from Celtic via a £14 million deal last summer after missing out on the signature of Nketiah.

The French tactician also sanctioned a permanent move for Jean Philippe-Mateta in the January transfer window after his loan spell from Mainz 05, but he appears far from satisfied with his attacking options.

Against Burnley, Vieira opted to start without any of Edouard, Mateta and fellow forward Christian Benteke, with winger Wilfried Zaha leading the line instead.

And according to Football League World, Palace are keen on signing Reading hitman Lucas Joao following the conclusion of the current campaign.

Rio Ferdinand SLAMS Marcus Rashford! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

The 28-year-old registered 22 goals and seven assists last term, and although a serious hip injury has limited him to just 14 appearances this season, he has still racked up eight goal contributions.

Nevertheless, Sky Sports revealed that Palace also retained an interest in Nketiah during the winter after their failed summer move, although were once again unable to prise him away from the Emirates Stadium.

Although Barclay admitted he didn’t have any inside information over the Joao speculation, The Sun reporter claimed Palace are still ‘keen on’ Nketiah.

He told GiveMeSport: “I don’t know about that specific link (to Lucas Joao), but I know they’ve been looking for a striker. The Eddie Nketiah interest has been