Crystal Palace have asked to take Radu Dragusin on loan from Serie A giants Juventus, the defender’s agent Florin Manea has told GSP.
Unfortunately for the 19-year-old Romanian, he is learning his trade at a club that boasts some of the greatest central-defensive talent in Europe.
Juventus may be enduring a miserable season under Andrea Pirlo but the fact Merih Demiral remains the club’s fourth-choice defensive option speaks volumes about the quality and depth at the Old Lady’s disposal.
With that in mind, you can understand why clubs such as Crystal Palace are scenting an opportunity.
Budapest-born Dragusin has made only one Serie A appearance in 2020/21 and Palace obviously feel Juventus may be tempted to farm out the teenager to a club where first-team opportunities will be easier to come by.
“Crystal Palace wanted him. Just a few days ago I spoke to the sports director there and he asked me if they could loan him,” says Manea, who appears to have held talks with Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman.
Menea recently admitted Tottenham Hotspur tried to sign Dragusin before he signed a new contract at Juventus.
“Newcastle, Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig (also wanted Dragusin). I had written offers.
“He is 19 years old. There were several factors that determined him to stay at Juventus. He grew up there, we were given some guarantees he would be counted on, that he would be given the chance to prove he deserves to be at Juventus.
“Now, he is currently the fifth central defender. Next year he will be the fourth. Maybe (Giorgio) Chiellini will leave? Let’s see.”
Earlier this week Tuttomercatoweb reported Chiellini, the 36-year-old veteran of nine Serie A crowns, could be playing his football under another legendary centre-back – Jaap Stam – at FC Cincinnati next season.
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