'I'm told...' - Journalist drops big Palace transfer claim as Parish prepares big-money offer

Journalist Tom Barclay has made a claim regarding Crystal Palace’s rumoured interest in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, as per GiveMeSport.

Reports last week from Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, claimed that Palace are ‘interested in acquiring’ Ceballos’ services in the summer.

Palace and Steve Parish are reportedly willing to open the bidding at close to £15m and would be happy to increase that offer, something that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez may find ‘irresistible’.

Patrick Vieira could well be on the hunt for midfield reinforcements ahead of his second season in charge at Selhurst Park, but Barclay isn’t so sure Ceballos is a firm target for the Eagles.

Talking to GiveMeSport, Barclay admitted that he hasn’t heard anything regarding Ceballos moving to Palace, but added that holding midfield could be an area where the club seek to strengthen.

The journalist said of the 25-year-old’s links with the Eagles:

“I’m told there’s nothing at the moment at least. He’s not a name I’ve heard of.

“I think holding midfield could be a place that they look to strengthen in the summer, but he’s not one that I’m aware of.”

Ceballos has played in a variety of midfield and attacking positions during his career but has hardly kicked a ball this season. The Spaniard has played just 75 minutes of action in 2021/22, so you could argue that a big-money move would be a risk.

Although he has experience of the Premier League during his loan spell with Arsenal, he only contributed to one goal in every 11 games, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Palace didn’t make a move for the midfielder over the coming months.

In other news: Journalist claims Palace are leading the race to sign energetic ace who ‘ticks a lot of boxes’