Crystal Palace have been linked with a transfer move for West Bromwich Albion striker Reyes Cleary as the January transfer window fast approaches.

What's the story?

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles are one of a number of sides interested in securing the highly-rated 17-year-old's services, with several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs listed amongst his potential suitors.

The report states that: "Cleary has been compared in style to a young Romelu Lukaku. He is quick, strong and has a goalscorer’s instinct and, as Sportsmail reported, has already been drawing interest from Crystal Palace, Schalke, Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim."

German giants Bayern Munich and the newest members of football's financial elite Newcastle United are also believed to be tracking Cleary ahead of a potential offer, meaning Palace chairman Steve Parish may have to move quickly in order to secure his target.

He's just what Patrick Vieira needs

Cleary has been in sensational form in the opening weeks of the current campaign, finding the back of the net on 14 occasions in just 12 appearances after bagging another brace against Leicester City last weekend.

It's believed that Munich sent a contingency to watch the stocky striker in action against Stoke City Under-23s last month and are planning on further scouting missions as interest in him continues to grow.

But with Cleary yet to sign a professional contract, an imminent Hawthorns exit could be on the cards, and the youngster may be just what Patrick Vieira needs at Palace.

The French tactician has made a successful start to his squad rebuild in south London, bringing in Odsonne Edouard from Celtic in order to bolster his forward line.

However, with both Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew approaching the twilight years of their careers and Jean-Philippe Mateta failing to impress, Vieira is expected to delve back into the transfer market for further attacking reinforcements.

As a result, Cleary could be the ideal addition for the capital club. The teenage prodigy has been compared to Lukaku, would arrive for a relatively small fee, and has plenty of room to grow while Edouard continues to lead the line.

It remains to be seen whether Parish can convince the Englishman to join Vieira's revolution at Palace, but it's a deal that would signal the Eagles' intentions in the years ahead.

And, in other news...61 duels won, 25 tackles: Palace “warrior” has been Vieira’s unsung hero this season