Crystal Palace have reportedly made a move for Lille’s Ibrahim Amadou.
Lille’s Ibrahim Amadou (L) vies with Lyon’s forward Houssem Aouar (R)
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have made a move to sign Lille defender Ibrahim Amadou – but Newcastle United are also aware of his quality.
Palace are searching for new signings to aid their battle against relegation, and with Scott Dann now out for the rest of the season, Roy Hodgson may be looking to bring in another defender.
It seems that one target offers major versatility, as the Daily Mail report that Palace have made a move for Lille’s Ibrahim Amadou, who can play at centre back or in holding midfield.
Guingamp’s Marcus Thuram (R) vies with Lille defender Ibrahim Amadou
Lille are understood to want £16million for Amadou, and Palace are now bidding to lure the Cameroon-born former France Under-19 international to the Premier League.
However, the report notes that a host of Premier League rivals are also keeping tabs on Amadou, including Newcastle United as Rafael Benitez plots his own January moves.
The Magpies don’t have bags of money to spend amid the ongoing takeover confusion at St. James’ Park, meaning that Benitez may not be able to contend with the £16million valuation on Amadou’s head.
Lille’s Ibrahim Amadou (R) fights for the ball with Reims’ Axel Disasi
Yet, with Lille allegedly open to a loan move with a view to a permanent deal, Newcastle may yet have some hope of pulling off a deal for the versatile defender, but they will have to move quickly to beat Palace.
With Arsenal, Southampton, Stoke City and Watford also believed to be keen, it seems that Amadou could be heading to the Premier League – and whilst Newcastle may well be pursuing his signature, they need to firm up their interest swiftly.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
