Roy Hodgson will not let Crystal Palace send Scott Banks out on loan after the teenage midfielder caught the eye for the Eagles’ U23 side, according to the Sun (27 September, page 61).
While the likes of Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson may be seen as the posterboys of Palace’s fresh-faced revolution, the long-awaited transformation actually began with a 19-year-old Scot.
The Londoners fought off competition from a whole host of top-flight rivals, including Manchester City, Leeds and Southampton, to bring Banks to Selhurst Park back in January (Record).
While Banks is yet to make his senior bow in blue and red, that could change sooner rather than later.
The Sun reports that the former Dundee United wonder-kid has made a huge impression behind the scenes, with Hodgson now deciding to keep a gifted prospect around rather than let him develop out on loan.
Banks marked his first appearance of the season with two goals and an assist in the 3-3 draw with West Brom’s U23 side last week.
“I’m a wide player, so I admire players like (Wilf) Zaha and even Max Meyer is close to what I’m like. Meyer may not have the pace of Zaha – who does? – but his close control and passing ability is great,” Banks told the club’s official website earlier in the year.
“Ultimately, I always think you’ve got to take a bit from everyone’s game; you can learn from everyone no matter what the position.”
Banks is far from the finished article but, with Hodgson transitioning towards a more attacking, free-flowing side following the arrival of Eze and the emergence of Tyrick Mitchell, one of the most talented teenagers in British football could have an important part to play in the near future.
Crystal Palace’s record signings
- Christian Benteke – £27 million
2016
- Mamadou Sakho – £22 million
2017
- Eberechi Eze – £19.5 million
2020
- Patrick van Aanholt – £14 million
2017
- Andros Townsend – £13 million
2016
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