Crystal Palace have already been extremely busy this summer, and look set to add another midfielder to their ranks in Cheick Doucoure. Whilst this midfielder will bring bundles of energy and a defensive core, there will still be a gap left by former loanee Conor Gallagher.

Patrick Vieira will want to fill this gap immediately, and in Manchester United’s Andreas Pereira he could have the perfect replacement.

The Brazilian has spent this season on loan at Flamengo, therefore avoiding being part of United’s worst-ever Premier League season.

Having previously been profiled as an attacking midfielder, this season the £6.75m-rated man has deputised in a more defensive role. This season will have helped him add balance to his game, and perhaps Vieira could look to him to add this balance to Palace’s midfield.

Reports had come out that noted the Eagles as having hijacked Fulham’s agreement with the Red Devils for the 26-year-old.

Now that his loan move is finished, this summer promises to be an important one in the landscape of Pereira’s career.

In his season on loan, Gallagher impressed due to his work-rate, and ability to do the dirty work whilst bursting forward with speed.

He notched up eight goals and three assists in 2021/22, which does dwarf that of the Brazilian’s return of just three goal contributions in 13 appearances.

However, back in 2019/20, he did boast four goal contributions in just 25 appearances for United. Perhaps a return to Premier League football with his added know-how could see him turn into a well-rounded midfielder ready to help Palace out.

Whereas Gallagher ranked in the 92^nd percentile for dribbles completed this season, in a deeper role Pereira would surely be able to fulfil this kind of function with his history higher up the pitch.

He clearly was inundated with talent, as back in 2016 Jose Mourinho labelled him an “amazing talent” with “incredible vision and incredible technique”.

Six years later, he is yet to live up to his potential. But two years in Brazilian football and a slight positional change suggests there is no reason why he cannot continue this good form back into the Premier League and fill the gap left by Gallagher.

He has all the qualities, he just needs the confidence.

AND, in other news: Reliable journo: CPFC set to complete 3rd transfer after Doucoure, Vieira will love it.