Crystal Palace have been linked to Sporting Lisbon’s Marcus Edwards this summer as a potential replacement for Michael Olise.
That’s according to outlet A Bola, the report from the Portuguese outlet claims that whilst Al-Nassr are one of the sides keen on the winger, Crystal Palace are considered the favourites.
Palace have reportedly seen an offer for the midfielder rejected but there is reportedly a small difference between the South London club’s offer and Sporting Lisbon’ valuation of the winger.
Edwards featured in 26 Primera Liga games for Lisbon last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Edwards hailed as a ‘mini Messi’
During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, Edwards was once seen as their brightest prospect for a long time, but it never quite worked out for him in north London.
Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, after watching the then teenage winger for their academy side, he was full of praise for the Englishman.
“The qualities – it’s only looks, his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi,” Pochettino said.
Edwards could not break into the Tottenham first team and decided that a move to Portugal was the best decision for his career.
It was the 2022/23 campaign for Sporting Lisbob where the winger truly excelled. Across 51 games for the Portuguese giants, Edwards scored 12 times in all competitions and provided 14 assists.
A move to the Premier League has long been mooted but Palace aren’t the only side understood to be interested.
What HITC are hearing about Marcus Edwards’ future
Whilst sources have told HITC that Palace are indeed one of the sides interested in a move for the English winger, they aren’t alone in the race.
Fulham, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and former club Tottenham have all taken a look at the winger previously.
A move back to boyhood club Tottenham would be a surprise considering the options that Ange Postecoglou has at his disposal.
As a replacement for Michael Olise, who departed Palace to Bayern Munich, this would make a lot more sense this summer.
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