Lucas Verissimo could reportedly swap Jorge Sampaoli for Roy Hodgson with Premier League outfit Crystal Palace keen.
Crystal Palace are interested in signing Brazilian defender Lucas Verissimo, according to Futebol Interior, with Santos demanding an affordable fee of £7 million for one of their key players.
Roy Hodgson’s Eagles comfortably avoided relegation in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign but there is a feeling in and around Selhurst Park that the club has the potential to do far better than just ‘survive’ in the top flight.
And, if they are to push on, reinforcing an already impressive backline with one of the most promising defenders in South American football would not be a bad idea.
According to Futebol Interior, Crystal Palace are just one of a number of clubs interested in Verissimo, who has also caught the eye of Torino and Lyon.
A real leader at just 24 years of age, Verissimo is a talented ball-playing defender who won the Campeonato Paulista championship with Santos three years ago. He is currently under contract until 2022.
But with Santos demanding £7 million, Crystal Palace should have no trouble affording him.
Verissimo is currently thriving under the famously innovative Jorge Sampaoli in Brazil, with the former Chile and Sevilla coach taking charge of Santos in December. And his ability to pass the ball effectively out from the back should help Hodgson introduce a more patient, possession based approach.
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