Killian Phillips was at Selhurst Park for Wednesday’s Premier League clash and Crystal Palace are ‘very impressed’ with the highly-rated midfielder, as reported by the Irish Mirror.
Last summer, the Eagles bid farewell to Gary Cahill, Scott Dann, Wayne Hennessey, James McCarthy, Mamadou Sakho, Andros Townsend and Patrick Van Aanholt.
Seven players who’s ages range from 30 to 35.
In their place came Marc Guehi (21), Joachim Andersen (25), Odsonne Edouard (23), Michael Olise (19), Connor Gallagher (21) and Will Hughes (26).
19-year-old Killian Phillips, then, seems to fit the bill as far as Crystal Palace’s new-look transfer strategy is concerned.
The fresh-faced Irishman has been training with the club’s U23 side recently. He was also at Selhurst Park for Wednesday’s barnstorming 2-2 draw with Southampton (Athletic).
Is Killian Phillips joining Crystal Palace in January?
“They (Crystal Palace) were very impressed,” Drogheda manager Kevin Doherty said recently. “He’s a really exciting talent.”
Doherty did admit, however, that he would love to see Phillips stay at the League of Ireland outfit.
“It’s up to me to persuade them (our young players) to stay,” he adds.
“We give young players a platform, as is the case with Killian. If he plays for us next year I’ll be over the moon.
“But we don’t want to stand in their way if the move is right.”
Phillips impressed in a variety of attacking roles for Drogheda during his breakthrough season. He shone in central midfield and out wide on the right or the left.
The teenager has also been linked with Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic recently. As has another League of Ireland starlet; Sligo Rovers striker Johnny Kenny.
Kenny, who scored 11 goals in 33 games last term, appears to be on his way to Hibernian instead however.
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