Michy Batshuayi has struggled on loan at La Liga side Valencia, but Premier League Crystal Palace could reportedly offer him an escape route in January.
Despite that remarkable 3-2 triumph at Manchester City, Roy Hodgson will be under no illusions that the January transfer window could be essential to Crystal Palace’s hopes of surviving for another Premier League season.
The Eagles have hardly soared in front of goal, averaging less than one per game so far this season with just 17 in 18 fixtures. So it is no surprise that Hodgson has allegedly identified a striker as his top priority next month.
And the Sun (23 December, page 61) believes that Crystal Palace are ready to take a chance on Michy Batshuayi.
The Belgium international is still a Chelsea player but the £33 million man is once again facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
He joined Valencia on loan in the summer but has struggled badly in Spain, scoring just three goals in 21 games as Los Che’s rejuvenation has stalled under Marcelino Garcia Toral.
As a result, it is understood Valencia will cut short his time at the Mestalla next month and Crystal Palace are interested in securing a loan-to-buy deal for a player Chelsea seem keen to sell.
If Hodgson can help Batshuayi rediscover the form he showed at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season, however, Palace could have the prolific centre-forward they have needed since Christian Benteke lost his verve.
Batshuayi plundered seven goals in 10 Bundesliga games for Dortmund.
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