Crystal Palace need a new goalkeeper but it is Newcastle United leading the race for Barcelona’s Jasper Cillessen.
Crystal Palace fans will no doubt agree with Roy Hodgson as the manager admitted his priority ahead of the January transfer window.
Hodgson told the Croydon Advertiser that a new goalkeeper is a necessity. And, considering the criticism that has come the way of both Wayne Hennessey and Julian Speroni this season, signing a new number one would no doubt give Palace’s hopes of avoiding the drop a real boost.
With summer target Jasper Cillessen seemingly likely to leave Barcelona in the January window, it would be little surprise if the Dutch international once again found himself on Palace’s radar.
Spanish outlet El Gol Digital reports that Barcelona may be forced to trim down their squad in the New Year in order to reduce their wage bill. And Cillessen, who has barely featured in La Liga since moving from Ajax in 2016, could be ripe for the cull.
Holland’s number one could be available for as little as £8 million and the report claims that Newcastle United are closely monitoring his situation at the Camp Nou.
The Magpies have been after a new ‘keeper since the summer and, although Cillessen’s reputation has taken a hit after a year-and-a-half sat on Barcelona’s bench, he remains one of Europe’s top goalkeepers on his day.
According to The Mail, however, Palace were interested in the summer. And though links with The Eagles were partly because compatriot Frank de Boer was in the dugout at the time, surely Hodgson would not let a player as talented as Cillessen slip through his grasp.
Newcastle may just have some unwelcome competition in January.
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