‘Definitely’: Director says reported Crystal Palace target will be sold; wants £20m

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Crystal Palace-linked Gerard Deulofeu will be sold by Watford if an acceptable offer in the region of £18 million arrives, the Hornets’ new sporting director Cristiano Giaretta tells CalcioNews24.

With just a few weeks remaining until the transfer window closes, Wilfried Zaha remains a Palace player. However, the Selhurst Park talisman has made it clear he wants to make a big step up the footballing ladder as he approaches his peak years.

The trouble is, no one is willing to spend £80 million in these uncertain times on a man who produced just four goals and three assists in 38 Premier League games last season.

Nothing is over until the fat lady sings, however, and Crystal Palace are still hedging their bets, identifying potential replacements for a winger who’s hardly short of interested suitors.

The Sun (9 August, page 60) reports the Eagles have shown interest in Spain international Deulofeu after Watford were relegated to the Championship.

And, after the man himself confirmed his desire to leave Vicarage Road (Onda Cero), Giaretta insists offers will be considered for the former Barcelona and AC Milan flyer.

“Definitely, yes (Deulofeu will leave),” says the Watford director. “Deulofeu is one of those players we talk about for a permanent transfer.

“There are a number of top-level players who are less affected (by the ongoing financial crisis). I believe he is part of this group. His value remains high.

“There are important clubs interested – in Italy, Spain and England.”

Giaretta suggests £20 million will be enough to take Deulofeu off Watford’s hands.

The one-time Everton loanee might flit from erratic to unstoppable but, on his day, there are few better forwards in the Premier League. As recently as 2018/19, Deulofeu hit double figures in England’s top-flight.