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Report: Crystal Palace rival Watford for former Brighton man Ezequiel Schelotto

Kadeem Harris of Sheffield Wednesday holds off Ezequiel Schelotto of Brighton and Hove Albion during the FA Cup Third Round match between Brighton ...
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According to Tuttob, Crystal Palace, Watford and Italian side SPAL are keen on signing free agent Ezequiel Schelotto following his release from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Argentine wide player can play as a fullback or further forward.

Schelotto joined Brighton under former manager Chris Hughton in 2017, but he later fell out of favour after making 20 Premier League appearances in his first season.

Guido Carrillo of Southampton is challenged by Lewis Dunk of Brighton and Hove Albion and Matias Ezequiel Schelotto of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between… (Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

A report from Tuttosport three months ago claimed Torino was keen on the 31-year-old whose contract at Brighton expired during the summer.

A move to the Serie A club, however, failed to materialise.

Schelotto now finds without a club and the latest from Tuttob claims he has new suitors in Watford, SPAL and surprisingly Brighton’s fierce rivals Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have wanted to add another fullback during the transfer window. Nathaniel Clyne was on trial following his release from Liverpool, but a deal never happened.

Manager Roy Hodgson may now consider Schelotto as an ideal alternative. The 31-year-old has plenty of experience, including a full cap for the Italian national team.

Schelotto, nicknamed the greyhound, is a quick, willing runner with plenty of stamina.

Ki Sung-Yueng of Swansea City challenges Matias Ezequiel Schelotto of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Swansea City at Amex… (Getty Images/Getty Images)

Palace play a counterattacking style of football, but fullback Joel Ward is more defensive, restricting the Eagles’ ability to switch the play quickly and into space.

Watford, meanwhile, may see Schelotto as an excellent player for Championship standard. The Hornets have lacked speed this season following a summer of change.