According to Tuscany newspaper La Nazione, via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are reportedly close to signing Christian Kouame from Fiorentina.

What's the word?

Reports in recent times revealed that Roy Hodgson's side have been actively pursuing the 23-year-old for quite some time.

It's claimed that Kouame is still of interest to Palace but they face stiff competition from European heavyweights Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt for his signature.

The report reveals the Eagles are close to concluding a deal to bring the Ivory Coast U23 international to England.

Parish heading for inexcusable mistake

Having forked out huge sums of money on the likes of Alexander Sorloth and Michy Batshuayi, the last thing Parish needs to do right now is to sign another expensive striker who isn't fit for the big stage.

In 18 appearances in Serie A, the £12m-rated Kouame has scored just the once so far this season and there must be a reason why he hasn't started a league game since the draw with Parma last year.

Palace already have to contend with Parish's baffling decision to re-sign Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea, as the Stamford Bridge outcast currently earns around £90,000-per-week at Selhurst Park. Quite mind-blowing really, especially when you consider the fact he earns more than Eberechi Eze. Say no more.

Palace need a striker who can hit the ground running, someone who can bang in plenty of goals in a season. Hodgson's side have scored just 22 goals in 17 games - the same amount as their bitter rivals, Brighton and Hove Albion.

Kouame has scored one goal in 16 games in Serie A for Fiorentina this season, averaging a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.18. Along with his struggles in front of goal, he is only averaging 0.3 key passes per game for Cesare Prandelli's side, showing an inability to hold onto the ball and bring others into play.

Hodgson's system requires a holdup frontman with a robust playing style. Someone like Olivier Giroud would be a far better option.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace can end four-year nightmare with swoop for Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle...