Crystal Palace are expected to try again for Eintracht Frankfurt ace Djibril Sow in January and the Swiss midfielder could form a superb partnership with Cheick Doucoure.

It was suggested by The Athletic that Patrick Vieira was very keen on signing Sow during the summer but only when it was too late for a deal to be done, so the Eagles could return for him in January.

Those at Selhurst Park will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old's performances for Switzerland at the World Cup in Qatar and should he impress, it would not be a surprise to see Palace approach Eintracht Frankfurt next year.

It seems clear from the first half of the Premier League season that Vieira is lacking options in midfield. The likes of Will Hughes, James McArthur and to a lesser extent, Luka Milivojevic, are all surplus to requirements at Selhurst Park, as they have made just two starts between them so far this campaign.

The French manager has instead opted to start the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jordan Ayew in midfield alongside summer signing Doucoure, who has often been left isolated as a result, so signing a natural midfielder to play alongside him should be a priority for the Eagles.

The Mali international currently averages the second-most tackles and most interceptions of anyone in Palace's squad, while he leads the way for clearances when compared to midfielders and attackers, so it seems clear that Vieira needs someone to help him out with the defensive side of the game.

Sow has been a regular for Frankfurt in both the Bundesliga and Champions League so far this campaign, averaging a strong 6.71 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Germany's top flight.

It might be tough to prise the former Borussia Monchengladbach man away from The Waldstadion considering they have a Champions League knockout game against Napoli to look forward to, but the temptation of Premier League football and playing under a midfield great in Vieira could just sway Sow.

Sports reporter Sam Smith shared his thoughts on the Eintracht Frankfurt man on Twitter, writing:

"First time properly watching Djibril Sow in this first half & been impressed. Progressive on the ball and combative. As per story from deadline day, Palace were very keen on a deal. Talks were still happening late in the day. Definitely, one to watch ahead of January."

Therefore, it seems clear that Sow would be a strong January addition at Selhurst Park, and he could form a destructive duo with Doucoure in Vieira's side.