Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty has admitted he would be ‘delighted’ to see highly-rated midfielder Killian Phillips move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, speaking to the Irish Independent.
During the 2021 summer transfer window, eight players over the age of 30 bid farewell to life at Selhurst Park, including Andros Townsend, Scott Dann, Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho.
In their place came Marc Guehi (21), Joachim Andersen (25), Odsonne Edouard (23) and Michael Olise (19).
The implication, then, was as clear as a De Beers crystal.
Crystal Palace were looking to swap experience for exuberance, reduce the average age of one of the Premier League’s oldest squads while introducing a more energetic, high-octane style of football.
And while they do say the table never lies, a tally of five wins from 20 league matches does not really tell the tale of how things have gone under Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park.
Only defensive lapses, and some wasteful finishing at the other end, have prevented Palace from securing enough points to match their impressive performances.
The January window, however, gives Vieira the chance to add some depth to his squad.
Will Crystal Palace sign Killian Phillips?
19-year-old Killian Phillips is likely to be viewed as ‘one for the future’ rather than someone capable of immediately challenging Connor Gallagher, Will Hughes at co for a first-team role.
But the technically-gifted teen ticks a lot of boxes for a Crystal Palace side prioritising young, up-and-coming talent these days.
“The situation with Killian is still ongoing,” says Doherty.
Phillips, linked with Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic in the autumn, was at Selhurst Park for December’s topsy-turvy 2-2 draw with Southampton.
He has also featured for the club’s U23 side as Crystal Palace weigh up a January move for the Irishman.
“He has been over and back to Palace and it (the transfer) could well happen,” Doherty adds.
“And if it does, I would be delighted for him. But if it doesn’t then the good thing is that he is still under contract. So, in that sense, it could be great for us.”
Crystal Palace have also been linked with the likes of Dwight McNeil and Borja Mayoral, while Jean-Philippe Mateta looks set to stay until his loan spell from Mainz comes to an end in the summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
