Crystal Palace are reportedly confident that they will sign Norwich City’s Robbie Brady.
According to The Guardian, Crystal Palace are confident that they will sign Norwich City’s Robbie Brady this month in a deal that could be worth around £12million.
Brady, 24, impressed with Hull City before joining Norwich in the summer of 2015, and he was one of their leading lights in the Premier League with three goals and two assists to his name.
After starring with the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016, Brady was in demand over the summer, but Norwich managed to keep hold of him – and he’s responded with three goals and three assists this term.
Ipswich’s Luke Chambers and Norwich’s Robbie Brady in action
Brady is now attracting interest again, with The Guardian reporting that Crystal Palace are confident of striking a deal, though their initial £7million bid has been rejected, with Norwich looking for £12million.
New manager Sam Allardyce needs new signings after two draws and two defeats in his first four games in charge, and Brady fits the bill perfectly.
Leicester City’s Danny Simpson in action with West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell
Palace are depleted at left back, with Pape Souare’s long-term future in doubt after suffering injuries in a major car crash earlier this season, whilst Martin Kelly is more comfortable on the right and Ezekiel Fryers has yet to prove himself in the Premier League.
Brady – who can also play on the left of midfield – could slot in there having played at left back for Norwich in the Premier League last season, and his attributes fit well with what Allardyce looks for.
At West Ham, Allardyce signed Aaron Cresswell from Ipswich Town, and he became a vital player for ‘Big Sam’, as his attacking play from left back gave West Ham a new dimension, with excellent crossing ability and quality from set pieces, offering Andy Carroll a consistent supply line.
Allardyce will want to get the best out of another target man, Christian Benteke, and Brady possesses similar attacking qualities to Cresswell, meaning Allardyce may see his crossing ability as a way to help Benteke excel.
£12million is a large price to pay, but Allardyce also saw Patrick van Aanholt – another attack minded left back – thrive for him at Sunderland last season, and Brady could be the ideal man to solve Palace’s left back problems this term.
Would you like to see Palace sign Brady?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
