Vieira can save Parish millions as CPFC plot bid for 18 y/o gem who has the "X-factor" - opinion

Crystal Palace will look to sign 18-year-old Derby County prospect Malcolm Ebiowei this summer with the winger out of contract in June.

That’s according to The Sun, who claim that the Eagles want to sign another Rams youngster after securing the signature of 19-year-old striker Luke Plange in January.

Plange was loaned back to Wayne Rooney’s side for the remainder of the season, but couldn’t prevent Derby from miraculously avoiding relegation to League One after having a total of 21 points deducted earlier this season.

Ebiowei has featured in 14 of the Rams’ last 15 Championship matches, starting the last nine, and looks to be a real prospect.

Like with Plange, Palace boss Patrick Vieira may look to loan out Ebiowei next season if he is to favour a move to south London, with the Frenchman seeing the Derby duo as long-term options.

The English forward recorded his first senior assist on Saturday, setting up Craig Forsyth as the already-relegated Rams were subject to a rare home defeat against Bristol City.

After the match, first-team development coach Justin Walker labelled the youngster as “a breath of fresh air” and declared that he has the “X-factor.”

Ebiowei had fluttered between the U18s and U23s before his first-team call-up, making a combined 13 appearances for the Derbyshire outfit’s youth sides, scoring seven goals in seven U18 Premier League appearances this term.

Known for his skill and pace, the 18-year-old could prove to be a direct replacement for Palace forward Jordan Ayew, with the Eagles still yet to exercise the option of extending the Ghanaian’s contract by a year.

Despite an impressive first season under the reign of Vieira, the Frenchman’s side have struggled for goals outside of the contributions of