"I spoke to somebody very close to Palace": talkSPORT reporter drops big transfer claim today

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is desperate to bring Manchester United's Donny van de Beek to Selhurst Park this month, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

After a busy summer transfer window, Palace have been relatively quiet in January, but they could be about to pull off a major signing before Monday's deadline.

Van de Beek has not started a single league game for United this season, and appears to be some way down the pecking order under current boss Ralf Rangnick.

With the 24-year-old no more than a peripheral figure at Old Trafford, Palace have launched a bid to sign van de Beek on loan until the end of the season. 

It has been reported that the south London club are optimistic of concluding a deal for the midfielder before the transfer window closes.

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Crook has revealed that he has been informed by his sources that Vieira is pushing for a deal to be wrapped up as he is very keen to have the £22.5m-rated midfielder at Palace.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crook said: “I spoke to somebody very close to Palace a few days ago, and they said that Patrick Vieira really wants him.”

If van de Beek does secure a temporary move to Palace, he will not be joining the club to sit on the bench.

The 19-cap international will want to go straight into the starting line-up, and it seems that he would most likely slot in on the left hand side of the side's midfield three in Vieira's favoured 4-3-3 system.

This would see him playing just in front of a holding midfielder, which could be Luka Milivojevic or James McArthur, and alongside Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher has been Palace's standout performer this season, scoring seven goals and