David James has suggested midfielder Donny van de Beek would thrive if he left Manchester United for Crystal Palace on loan this month.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England goalkeeper made a strong case for Van De Beek’s potential move to Selhurst Park.
According to the Daily Mail, the Dutchman is edging ever closer to signing for Patrick Vieira’s side on loan until the summer.
Reportedly, there have been positive discussions between the Premier League clubs and Palace obviously want to get the deal over the line before the January window snaps shut on Monday.
Meanwhile, Van de Beek will be desperate to depart Old Trafford at the next available opportunity. He has yet to start a league game this season despite featuring for three managers, including Michael Carrick’s brief stint.
Time for Donny to wash away the dirt
Ralf Rangnick replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was meant to offer the whole squad a clean slate. As it stands, however, Van de Beek’s slate is still covered in mud.
Joining Palace would give the midfielder a chance to rub away the dirt and start afresh. And that’s something former Portsmouth stopper James believes could happen if the deal goes ahead.
“Under Ole, it hasn’t happened, under Rangnick it’s not happening as well,” said the most capped keeper in top-flight history.
“At somewhere like Crystal Palace, where the level, and I say this respectfully, of success required wouldn’t be as high as at Manchester United, Donny van de Beek can go and develop into the player Manchester United wanted when they bought him.
“I don’t doubt (Van de Beek) can reproduce the kind of form he had in past seasons. So, for Crystal Palace, if it goes ahead I think, under Patrick Vieira, that would be a great signing.”
Van de Beek needs Vieira
Vieira has certainly proved himself a coach with the ability to improve players. Especially midfielders, where the rise of Conor Gallagher remains one of the stories of the season.
Van de Beek is crying out for someone to discover his value. The former Arsenal icon may be the man to do so.
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