Crystal Palace could soon sign Lucas Fernandes from Portimonense, with Patrick Vieira set to take a look at the player in December.
The 25-year-old will visit Selhurst Park next month when Botafogo – where he is currently on loan – take on the south Londoners in a friendly during the World Cup break on December 3rd.
Interestingly, John Textor, co-owner of Crystal Palace, also owns the Brazilian giants, and it has been said that he could see Fernandes joining the Eagles.
Lucas Fernandes could join Crystal Palace
Well, that was according to O Globo in Brazil, who believe Textor has internally confessed that he could envisage the Brazilian midfielder playing under Vieira at Crystal Palace.
Botafogo have the option to sign Fernandes for just €4m (£3.5m) at the end of the season, although the Brazilian news outlet state that other clubs are now interested in him due to his impressive displays.
Despite his shining displays in Brazil, there are still some doubts about whether the Brazil Under-23 international can perform in the Premier League.
O Globo state that the technical staff believe Fernandes may struggle with the intensity of the Premier League.
However, it is not made clear if this is the technical staff of Crystal Palace or Botafogo.
Nevertheless, Textor is clearly a fan of Fernandes, and his involvement in both Botafogo and Crystal Palace would surely make a deal quite simple if Vieira does express a desire to sign the South American.
Lucas Fernandes has Crystal Palace audition
It is always tricky to gauge whether a player in Brazilian football can translate their talents into the Premier League.
Therefore, December’s friendly represents a huge opportunity for Fernandes to show he can perform against some top Premier League defenders such as Tyrick Mitchell and Marc Guehi in his attacking midfield role.
If he does well, it certainly isn’t out of the equation that a January move happens, especially as Vieira needs more options in midfield.
Be sure to keep an eye on Fernandes when Botafogo take on Crystal Palace in December, as it could be a significant game in his career.
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