Crystal Palace preparing bid for Philogene as Ipswich set high asking price

Crystal Palace are now preparing a formal bid for a “special” forward, but they may have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal done.

Palace eyeing new signings amid managerial uncertainty

Oliver Glasner has confirmed he is set to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the campaign, and the Austrian recently made it clear he has no plans to change his mind.

With Glasner planning to depart, Palace have started identifying potential replacements, and Thomas Frank is now one of the leading contenders, having been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

Frank is not the only option, with the Eagles also keen on appointing former England manager Gareth Southgate, although it remains unclear whether the 55-year-old would be willing to return to club management.

While it is unclear who will be in the Selhurst Park dugout next season, the recruitment team have started looking at targets ahead of the summer transfer window, lodging an enquiry about a deal for Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, amid the uncertainty surrounding Adam Wharton’s future.

Crystal Palace have also set their sights on a new forward, according to a report from Sports Boom, which states they are preparing a formal bid for Ipswich Town star Jaden Philogene, having emerged as one of the frontrunners in the race for his signature.

Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are also battling it out for the forward, with Ipswich planning to hold out for at least £45m, and his value could rise as high as £60m if they are promoted to the Premier League.

With Philogene, who is known for his blistering pace, expected to demand a £80k-a-week contract, a deal could be on the expensive side, and Ipswich are in a strong negotiating position, as he is under contract until 2029.

Philogene could be exciting signing for Palace

The Eagles have had great success recruiting players from the Championship in the past, with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise being sold for big fees, and there are indications the 24-year-old could be a similar type of signing.

Lauded as a “special” player by Liam Rosenior, the left-winger has played a major role in the Tractor Boys’ promotion push this season, picking up nine goals and two assists in 25 Championship outings.

The former Hull City man also caught the eye in the 2023-24 Championship campaign, scoring 12 goals, and finding the net with a remarkable rabona against Rotherham United.

Philogene could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but £45m would be a huge fee to pay for a player yet to prove himself in the top tier.