According to AS, Crystal Palace have enquired about the availability of Srdjan Babic, as the Eagles aim to bring him to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, Getafe have also made contact with Almeria in regards to the 26-year-old, who stands at 6ft 5in.
Interestingly, Getafe have already made a €4m (£3m) bid for Babic, although fortunately for Crystal Palace, it has been rejected.
The Serbian isn’t expected to cost an eye-watering amount, however.
AS believe Almeria are happy to sell for just €10m (£9m), which shouldn’t be an issue for the south Londoners.
Interest in Babic comes after he made 43 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal while also picking up 11 yellow cards.
The centre-back would arrive at Selhurst Park to compete with Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen, with James Tomkins also in reserve.
Why Crystal Palace want Srdjan Babic
With Guéhi and Andersen already forging a strong pairing at the back, you may be wondering why Patrick Vieira wants another central defender in SE25.
In our view, it could hint towards a formation change.
According to The Sun, Vieira is planning to use a three-at-the-back shape more often next season, so Babic, who is interestingly left-footed, could be arriving to play on the left of the backline.
Both Guéhi and Andersen are right-footed, so it’s possible that Crystal Palace are searching for a left-footer to balance their backline ahead of transitioning to a three-man defence.
Vieira doesn’t have a single left-footed option in the centre-back department, although Jairo Riedewald has played in that position before.
That suggestion is reinforced by the fact Crystal Palace also want to sign Chelsea prospect Levi Colwill, another left-footed central defender.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the Eagles can certainly afford to spend £9m on Babic.
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