Crystal Palace, Tottenham and PSG in talks for £35m defender to play for Sage
Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are now battling to sign the Ligue 1 star, who has enjoyed working with Pierre Sage in the past.
Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Sage
It almost goes without saying that taking over the role of the greatest manager in Crystal Palace’s history is an impossible task. However, Sage must do just that, and those in South London shut down when he arrives.
The latest reports claim that the Eagles have officially reached an agreement with the French manager, who has already informed RC Lens of his decision to leave the French club.
He is determined to arrive after a fine season in Ligue 1, which saw Lens mount a shock title challenge to Paris Saint-Germain, before ultimately falling short.
It represents exactly where Palace are in being able to lure Sage to Selhurst Park despite Lens’ recent rise to Ligue 1.
With Sage on the way, Palace are focusing on potential reinforcements, which could include the arrival of Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
The midfielder has been at a number of Premier League clubs since the end of the season and while Everton have made significant progress, it is reported that Palace will bid for a rival. As rumors continue about Adam Wharton’s future, Hackney would be an excellent signing.
He’s not the only name Palace is fighting for, either. The Europa Conference League winners are also fighting to beat Tottenham in the race for Sage’s former club.
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Crystal Palace and Tottenham race for the Ligue 1 defender
As reported by SportsBoom, Crystal Palace and Tottenham are battling to sign Ismaelo Ganiou this summer. Premier League sides are hoping to outbid PSG to sign the Lens defender and it’s Palace who have grabbed the chance thanks to Sage’s arrival.
All three sides have opened talks, but Ganiou and the French manager worked together in France and the defender is open to a reunion in South London.
It’s a mistake for Spurs, who may have missed out on direct London rivals as a result. But that doesn’t mean a deal will come easily to those at Selhurst Park.
Lens is reportedly set to stick to his €40m (£35m) price tag, giving the Eagles a big decision to make in the coming months.
|
25/26 P90 |
Maxence Lacroix |
Ismaelo Ganiou |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,087 |
2,014 |
|
Fighting |
1.75 |
1.74 |
|
Duel success |
61.3% |
60.8% |
|
Recovery |
2.74 |
5.23 |
|
Passing success |
88.2% |
86.8% |
In terms of quality, it’s easy to see why Palace are interested in Ganiou. The defender, called “very good” by scout Jacek Kulig last month, could form a formidable partnership with Maxence Lacroix.
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