Ali Maaloul could be about to get his big break in the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Swansea City set to go head-to-head.
Crystal Palace and Swansea City are both on the lookout for new strikers to save them from the spectre of relegation.
But it is not just up front where the Premier League duo are hoping to strengthen this month. Because the Sun (January 19th, page 59) states that there is another target on their list by the name of Tunisian international left-back Ali Maaloul.
It is understood that the defender has caught the eye of Premier League scouts while starring for Egyptian side Al Ahly. And with his price-tag set at just £3 million, it makes sense to act now before the World Cup, where Maaloul will no longer be a stranger to English audiences with his Tunisia side lining up against Gareth Southgate’s England in Russia.
The 28-year-old is a typically attack-minded left-back who is renowned for his excellent delivery from out wide and set piece mastery.
Maaloul also scored 16 goals in the 2015/16 season, breaking the record for the most scored in a single season by a defender in Tunisia’s top flight.
If Maaloul moves to Palace, he will offer some much needed depth on the left with Jeffrey Schlupp set for an extended period on the sidelines after picking up a serious injury in the recent FA Cup clash with Brighton.
But if the Liberty Stadium is Maaloul’s destination, he may struggle to force his way into a Swansea side boasting the considerable talents of Martin Olsson at left-back.
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