According to Manuel Veth, Leeds target Chris Richards is no longer with Bayern Munich for pre-season as he attempts to join Crystal Palace.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that the 22-year-old has agreed terms with the south Londoners, and is keen to join Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park.
Now, Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich must agree a fee for the United States international, but negotiations look set to be helped by the fact Richards is no longer a part of the German side’s tour of the US.
Veth claims that talks are ongoing between the Premier League side and the Bundesliga outfit, but a deal is becoming more and more likely.
That will not be music to the ears of Jesse Marsh, who was supposedly interested in bringing his fellow American to Leeds this summer.
Southampton were also interested in Richards, so this news will also come as a blow to Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Interest in the versatile defender comes after he impressed on loan at TSG Hoffenheim last season, scoring one goal while also providing one assist across 23 appearances.
Crystal Palace set to beat Leeds to great utility option
In our view, this is an ideal signing for Vieira.
The Frenchman seemed keen to bring a new right-back to SE25 amid talk of a move to re-sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Vieira also appears interested in a new central defender, with The Athletic claiming that Crystal Palace were confident of signing Levi Colwill from Chelsea.
However, in Richards, the Eagles will be getting a player who is capable of operating at centre-back as well as on the right of defence, which solves two issues for Vieira.
In our view, Richards will start at right-back for Crystal Palace, while also becoming an option in the centre whenever Vieira plans to adopt a three-man backline with wing-backs.
If the Eagles can get this one over the line, it will be another fantastic signing.
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