Crystal Palace are set to sign Remi Matthews on a free transfer, as reported by the Mirror, with the former Sunderland goalkeeper expected to replace Wayne Hennessey at Selhurst Park.
While the shock arrival of a 27-year-old shot-stopper is unlikely to hog many headlines in South London – unlike the inspired £8 million addition of Michael Olise – Matthews will at least add some depth to a squad containing a grand-total of 17 first-team players.
The journeyman shot-stopper made just five league appearances during a short spell at Sunderland last season.
And when his contract expired in May, few on Wearside would have predicted that Mathews would be putting pen to paper with a Premier League club just a few weeks later.
Is Remi Matthews on his way to Crystal Palace?
According to The Mirror, the former Bolton man is about to become the second signing of the Patrick Vieira era, although it is unlikely that he will feature all-too regularly in Palace colours with Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland expected to remain the club’s first-choice goalkeepers.
Matthews will, however, take the place of veteran Welshman Wayne Hennessey at Selhurst Park.
The long-serving 34-year-old is in line for a move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, according to the Birmingham Mail, with the Midland giants in the market for an experienced shot-stopper capable of stepping into a Tom Heaton-shaped void in Dean Smith’s squad.
It is no secret that Smith wants two proven, top-flight performers for each position and Hennessey – a man with around 150 Premier League appearances under his belt – ticks a lot of boxes.
Hennessey is also a target for Sean Dyche’s Burnley as Bailey Peacock-Farrell weighs up a loan move away from Turf Moor.
Sheffield Wednesday are reported to be interested, via the Sun (11 July, page 61).
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