Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has targeted Sunderland defender Patrick Van Aanholt.
According to the Telegraph, Sunderland are facing a battle to keep hold of Patrick Van Aanholt over the January transfer window.
Crystal Palace have made the Dutch defender one of their top targets, and it is claimed that they have made £7 million bid.
While Sunderland are thought to be set to reject the offer, Sam Allardyce remains keen on the left-back.
Allardyce knows Van Aanholt well from their time together at the Stadium of Light, where he was able to get the best out of the former Chelsea man.
With Palace keen to strengthen in January, they have put Van Aanholt on their wishlist and Sunderland’s resolve to keep the defender will be put to the test.
Van Aanholt has played a key role for Sunderland so far this campaign, but David Moyes’ side are not in the strongest financial position.
Sunderland have made no secret of the fact that they do not have much money to spend on new recruits in January and selling Van Aanholt would at least give Moyes some funds to invest.
Sunderland are unlikely to want to weaken themselves, while strengthening one of their relegation rivals, though, and any deal seems unlikely at this stage.
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