Derby County striker Luke Plange is shining in the Championship, leading to Crystal Palace chasing his signature ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Sun reported over the weekend that Palace were prepared to offer around £300,000 to sign Plange from Derby.
Derby’s administrators are believed to be seeking a bigger fee for their talented young striker, with Palace potentially willing to pay seven figures.
The Daily Mail claim that Derby want £1million for Plange and Palace are willing to meet those demands before the deadline.
Plange may not play for Palace for a while even if the deal goes through today, because the Eagles are wiling to loan him out.
Plange could spend 18 months away from Palace on loan to further his development, with Derby demanding a man back as part of the deal.
Derby’s financial position means they not be able to fend off Palace’s late interest in the teenage striker.
Plange was released by Arsenal last year, with Derby picking him up on a free transfer in a low-risk move.
Plange, 19, has quickly emerged into Derby’s first team and now has three goals in just eight Championship games.
With five goals and three assists in 10 Premier League 2 games too, Plange has become a real hot prospect with Derby.
Patrick Vieira may still have some contacts at Arsenal who can give him the inside track on Plange, who could make a rapid return to London.
There isn’t long left for Palace to get this deal done, and having to negotiate with Derby’s administrators certainly makes things tricky.
Still, it seems that Plange is destined to return to the Premier League at some stage, and Arsenal may just live to rue letting him leave for nothing.
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