Pape Souare looks set to leave Crystal Palace for Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Roy Hodgson’s Eagles have a replacement lined up.
Crystal Palace looked to be taking a bit of a risk allowing Pape Souare to go to Newcastle United this month.
And not just because Rafa Benitez’s Magpies could end up fighting Palace for Premier League survival come the end of the season.
According to The Sun (15th January, page 52), Newcastle were closing in on a deal to sign Souare on loan for the rest of the campaign. And while the former Lille defender has only played three times in all competitions this season, it seemed odd that Palace would be willing to let him leave Selhurst Park.
Because with Jeffrey Schlupp undergoing surgery and set for an extended period on the sidelines, Souare’s importance in Roy Hodgson’s side looked to have increased with Patrick Van Aanholt the only other fit and natural left-back on the club’s books.
So Newcastle may have been concerned that Palace would suddenly got cold feet and think better of a deal that could so heavily end up biting them on the backside.
But now it appears that Palace are putting plans in place to prepare for Souare’s exit. Because the Sun (19th January, page 59) states that they are keen to raid Egyptian club Al Ahly for Tunisian international Ali Maaloul.
The attack-minded 28-year-old, famous for his swashbuckling style and eye for goal, is available for £3 million this month and could be set for a move to the Premier League with Palace and Swansea City keen.
But if Palace win the race, that should free up Souare to make the short-term move up to Tyneside.
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