Crystal Palace are reportedly rivalling Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Mo Diame from Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United.
Mo Diame could be on his way to Selhurst Park.
According to the Daily Star, the Senegal international is facing an uncertain future at Newcastle United with his contract due to expire at the end of this season. And he could swap St James Park for London with Crystal Palace keen to nab the experienced midfielder, who joined Newcastle for £3.5 million in 2016, on a free transfer.
Roy Hodgson’s side will have to win a battle against fellow suitors Brighton, which they failed to do in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to the Seagulls, but what would Diame bring to Selhurst Park.
At 31, and having previously represented West Ham and Wigan in the Premier League, the powerhouse midfielder would offer plenty of experience in the centre of the park. But this is hardly the sort of signing that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
For far too long, Crystal Palace have been willing to offer ageing former stars one last pay day; think Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Marouane Chamakh.
Diame has made 23 Premier League starts this season for Newcastle but surely they need to be aiming higher? The fans certainly think so.
But while Palace fans don’t seem keen on Diame’s arrival, it seems that Newcastle fans would happily see him leave. The veteran finds himself between a rock and a hard place.
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