Premier League duo Everton and Crystal Palace can now sign Fabien Centonze for just £2.5 million after Metz were relegated from France’s Ligue 1, as reported by FootMercato.
Back in April, when The Telegraph claimed that Centonze had admirers at Goodison Park and Selhurst, it was believed that the 26-year-old full-back would command a fee in the region of £8 million.
Obviously, Metz are in no position to demand such a fee these days. The Maroons found themselves, well, marooned in the Ligue 1 relegation zone, finishing 19th, and the chances of Centonze becoming one of their most expensive ever departures – after Sarr’s Ismaila Sarr and Pape Matar – look decidedly slim these days.
According to FootMercato, Metz would accept just £2.5 million for the former Lens and Clermont man now. Both Rennes and Nice are interested. So are a Schalke side who claimed the Bundesliga.2 title, the sleeping giants waking from their slumber before sealing an immediate return to the top-flight.
Could Everton or Crystal Palace land Fabien Centonze?
Everton and Palace remain in the market for a new right-back too.
The Toffees lost Jonjo Kenny to Hertha Berlin recently and are crying out for cover on the right-hand side, with the overworked Seamus Coleman the club’s only first-choice, right-sided defender.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are under pressure to upgrade Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne; Two reliable, experienced campaigners but players who lack the speed and thrust Patrick Vieira wants from his full-backs.
The Eagles were reportedly closing in on ex-Chelsea and Fulham man Ola Aina earlier in the summer but the trail has grown cold of late, even if the Nigeria international has not ruled out a departure from Serie A outfit Torino.
“We will have to see what happens over the summer,” Aina says. “I’m not sure. I have only one year left (on my contract). I am not sure what will happen.”
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