‘In talks’: CEO confirms negotiations with Crystal Palace for £20m Eagles player

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Alexander Sorloth is on the verge of swapping Crystal Palace for RB Leipzig with the Bundesliga outfit’s coach, sporting director and CEO all confirming a deal for the Selhurst Park man, as reported via Sport Buzzer.

After a stunning season on loan at Trabzonspor, a man who failed to score a single goal in 16 Premier League appearances is closing in on a switch to one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking clubs in European football.

The Guardian reported last week that Sorloth will become a Leipzig player in a deal worth £20 million; claims that Leipzig’s head honchos backed up over the weekend.

“Yes, we are in talks (with Sorloth),” confirmed CEO Oliver Mintzlaff prior to Sunday’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory over Mainz. “We are on the home straight.”

“There are always a few things that still need to be clarified,” adds sporting director Markus Krösche. “It was a long ride.”

With his 6ft 4ins frame, this old-school target man is hardly a like-for-like replacement for Timo Werner in Leipzig’s strike force.

Although, in truth, Sorloth has probably been identified as the man capable of succeeding former loan star Patrik Schick instead, with the diminutive, scampering Hwang Hee-Chan taking Werner’s place.

“With Alexander, it is no secret that we are interested in him and he also wants to come to us,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann. “I would be happy if (the transfer) works, but there are other interesting players as well.”

Crystal Palace fans may be disappointed to see Sorloth head for the exit after he scored 33 times on loan at Trabzonspor, firing his club to Turkish cup glory while earning the Super Lig Golden Boot for good measure.

But, from a financial perspective, selling a striker who has barely kicked a ball at Selhurst Park for double what they paid represents rather good business.