Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for FC Copenhagen defender Victor Nelsson as Patrick Vieira looks to strengthen his first team squad.

What's the story?

According to The Sun, the Eagles are interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer after an impressive campaign in his homeland.

The report claims that Copenhagen are set to demand a £10m fee for their prized asset, with several clubs in Germany and England also interested in acquiring Nelsson's services.

Patrick Vieira needs him

Vieira has succeeded Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park following a long, drawn-out process, but a tough job awaits the former Nice manager in south London.

Several first-team players departed the club on free transfers when their contracts expired at the end of June, leaving Palace seriously light on numbers. Experienced trio Scott Dann, Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho were amongst those shown the exit door, leaving James Tomkins as the only recognised centre-back on the club's books.

Adding at least two central defenders will surely be a top priority for Vieira ahead of the upcoming campaign, and the Frenchman certainly needs quality additions such as Nelsson.

The Denmark international made 30 appearances for Jess Thorup's side in all competitions throughout 2020/21, with his impressive performances earning him his first international cap back in November.

Nelsson's standout displays have reportedly attracted the attention of several top clubs across the continent, so Vieira may have to move quickly in order to secure his man.

Other exciting targets such as Marc Guehi and Joe Worrall are also believed to have caught the eye of the Palace hierarchy, but the Copenhagen beast would represent a quality addition and good value for money.

He would also address the Eagles' ageing squad issue, providing an element of youth to a defence which had been rapidly maturing - the south Londoners had the oldest average age of any Premier League side in 2020/21.

Therefore, Palace supporters and Vieira are likely to be urging chairman Steve Parish to get this deal over the line and done before the 2021/22 season starts, providing the new manager with the tools required for a successful campaign.

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