Crystal Palace have been linked with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar recently and the Frenchman could take Patrick Vieira's side to the next level.

What's the word?

Recent reports have claimed that Palace could move for the 24-year-old this summer as Vieira looks to bolster his midfield options, and Aouar could be available for as little as £13m.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor shared his thoughts on a potential Palace move for the Lyon star.

He said:

"Palace can get those kinds of players like Ilaix Moriba, Houssem Aouar.

“I mean, Aouar was obviously the subject of a £35 million bid from Arsenal two years ago, and now his contracts due to expire, but no one seems to be in for him, but there’s clearly a player in there.

“And that’s the kind of player that would really take Palace to the next level, which is, in my view, a top-half finish.”

Forget McTominay

Palace have also recently been linked with a move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, but Aouar would represent a much better option for Vieira.

Last season saw the Scotland international make 30 appearances in the Premier League for United, in which he contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a 6.89 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Aouar meanwhile would manage six goals and four assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging an improved 6.93 rating from WhoScored.

With the £21m arrival of Cheick Doucoure as a defensive-minded midfielder, Vieira arguably needs a more creative maestro to play alongside him, and Aouar is much more comfortable on the ball than McTominay.

As per FBref, the Frenchman scores in the top percentile for shots, non-penalty expected goals and assists, dribbles completed, touches in the penalty area and progressive passes received when compared with other midfielders, which emphasises his ability to influence things in the final third.

By comparison, McTominay scores extremely poorly with regard to the same statistics, failing to be ranked in the top 80th percentiles for anything other than clearances and aerials won.

Therefore, if Vieira wants to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes and is forced to choose between McTominay and Aouar, it seems clear that the "incredible" Frenchman is the best option.