LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer Transfer News

Report: Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion join race to sign Ferland Mendy

France fans wave a flag before the game (Reuters)
Follow us on Google Discover

Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion are among several clubs to be linked with a move for the French left-back.

Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion have joined the race to sign Le Havre left-back Ferland Mendy, according to Sky Sports.

Everton and Watford were linked with moves for Mendy earlier this week [L’Equipe] but could now face competition from Palace, West Brom, Brighton & Hove Albion and Birmingham City – along with a trio of Ligue 1 giants.

Mendy is a product of the Le Havre academy which produced the likes of Paul Pogba, Steve Mandanda and the 21-year-old’s Monaco namesake, Benjamin.

Crystal Palace's Steve MandandaCrystal Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda

And he could join at least two of those in English football next season, with Mandanda’s Palace a potential destination.

However, given the January arrivals of Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp at Selhurst Park, another left-back is unlikely to be high on the Eagles’ agenda.

Crystal Palace's Patrick van AanholtCrystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt

West Brom, on the other hand, are known to be seeking reinforcements in the Frenchman’s position, with Leeds United’s Charlie Taylor strongly linked.

Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum in action with Leeds' Charlie TaylorReported West Brom target Charlie Taylor [right]

And Brighton, who are not expected to re-sign out-of-contract West Brom left-back Sebastien Pocongoli after his Amex Stadium loan deal expired, could also be in the market this summer.

Birmingham, however, only recently signed a French left-back of their own in Cheick Keita, and are perhaps unlikely to meet Le Havre’s apparent £7 million valuation of Mendy.

Cheick Keita of Birmingham City in action with Sone Aluko of FulhamBirmingham City left-back Cheick Keita [left]

Having said that, L’Equipe reports the Ligue 2 side will only ask for £4.3 million, with Mendy out of contract in 12 months’ time.

Should Crystal Palace/West Bromwich Albion pursue a move for Mendy this summer?