Crystal Palace have been linked with Naouirou Ahamada recently and the youngster could form a superb partnership with Cheick Doucoure in Patrick Vieira's midfield.

According to The Athletic‘s Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam, the Eagles are “in discussions” with the Bundesliga club over a deal for the breakout star.

The 20-year-old has established himself as a regular in Bruno Labbadia's side so far this term, making 17 appearances, in which he has contributed two goals and two assists.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O'Rourke shared his thoughts on a potential Palace move for Ahamada and the partnership he could form with summer signing Doucoure.

He said: "On paper, they're both good midfielders.

"They've got good energy, they can provide defensive cover in front of Palace's back four. They seem to have all the attributes to be the modern-day midfield.

"I'm sure that Patrick Vieira will be hoping that those two players can become Palace's engine room for the long-term."

Ahamada was featured on football talent scout Jacek Kulig's "crazy" list of French U21 players and if he could achieve his obvious potential at Palace, then there seems no reason why he couldn't be a mainstay alongside Doucoure for a number of years to come.

The Malian, who joined from RC Lens last summer, has started 18 of Palace's 20 games in the top flight so far this season and boasts an impressive 6.83 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, he has often been exposed due to a lack of defensive support in the midfield, with the likes of Jeffrey Schlupp, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise often accompanying him in the middle of the park, despite none of those players being natural central midfielders.

Therefore, it is easy to see why Vieira would want to sign another midfielder this month, especially with James McArthur, Luka Milivojevic and Schlupp all candidates to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season when their current contracts expire.

The French manager has overseen a youthful transformation of Palace's squad since taking over from Roy Hodgson in 2021 and Ahamada would be another exciting young option in the middle of the park.

With Doucoure more of a ball-winner, while the Stuttgart star likes to get forward with his preference of dribbling and shooting from range, there seems little reason why they couldn't be a success together at Crystal Palace for years to come.