Despite reported Baggies interest, is Palace the likely destination for Amadou?

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Premier League trio Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion all went into the January transfer window targeting Ligue 1 ace Amadou.

At the start of the month, there were a number of Premier League clubs hot on the trail of Lille defender Ibrahim Amadou.

But with less than a week to go until the transfer window slams shut, it appears that Crystal Palace are the only English side with a hope of bringing the Cameroonian centre-back across the Channel.

According to The Mail, Newcastle United went into the January transfer window with hopes of challenging the Eagles for a player who has stood out in France despite Lille’s well documented struggles near the bottom of the Ligue 1 table.

TalkSPORT claimed that West Brom were also interested. But the chances of Amadou lining up at either St James’ Park or The Hawthorns look slim indeed.

After all, we are all aware of Newcastle’s lack of funds and, even though owner Mike Ashley does finally appear willing to spend this month, if appears they will be devoting their time and effort to bringing in a new number nine.

Club-record fees for Nicolai Jorgensen and Islam Slimani have been discussed, as reported by the Chronicle.

West Brom, meanwhile, have been hit hard by Financial Fair Play restrictions. And even if Jonny Evans does leave for Arsenal, landing them a fee in and around £20 million, it is unlikely that Alan Pardew would spend all that on one defender with other areas of the squad in need of reinforcement.

According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace have had a £16 million bid rejected for Amadou but, with cash-strapped Lille needing to sell, expect the defender to rock up at Selhurst Park before the month is out.