Does Brighton & Hove Albion’s £14m striker move give Crystal Palace free run at Moussa Dembele?

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Brighton are believed to have opened talks over the transfer of PSV Eindhoven forward Jurgen Locadia.

Sky Sports are reporting that Brighton & Hove Albion are close to signing striker Jurgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven in a deal which could cost them £14m.

The Seagulls had previously held an interest in Celtic forward Moussa Dembele, according to Sky Sports, but seem to have switched their attention to the Dutchman.

With Dembele still expected to leave the Scottish champions either this month or in the summer, could striker-shy Crystal Palace now pounce for his signature?

Sky Sports understands that the 21-year-old is on Palace’s radar as they aim to bring in competition for Christian Benteke, who has only scored once this season.

Dembele has scored 40 goals in 70 appearances for Celtic since joining from Fulham in 2016 and has all of the tools to be a prolific Premier League striker in years to come.

It may be the Frenchman’s £20m valuation – reported by the Daily Record – which has deterred Brighton from making a move, but the Eagles carry greater financial clout.

Palace chairman Steve Parish would be wise to move quickly before bigger clubs come calling, with London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur both in need of striking depth.