A significant update has emerged regarding Crystal Palace's prolonged pursuit of Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak.
What's the story?
According to German outlet Bild (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Eagles have 'offered €8m so far’ for the Turkey international, although fellow Premier League side Leicester City have reportedly matched their £6.78m bid.
Schalke are desperate to offload Kabak this summer after suffering relegation from the German top flight in 2020/21 and are said to be demanding a ‘double-digit million amount’ for their prized asset.
The report added that Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig have turned their attention to the 21-year-old after being priced out of a move for Maxence Lacroix, so Palace chairman Steve Parish may need to move quickly in order to secure the youngster's services.
Steve Parish must swoop
Kabak enjoyed a relatively successful loan spell at Liverpool in the second half of last season, helping Jurgen Klopp’s charges to a third-place finish in the Premier League after they suffered an injury crisis.
He achieved a respectable 6.72 WhoScored rating from his nine top-flight appearances and impressed Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders with his solid performances.
“Ozan is a big talent, so much progression is still possible. He adapted fantastically inside our club from a context like Schalke and had an immediate impact with Liverpool FC,” Lijnders told the Merseysiders' official website.
However, the Anfield outfit decided not to make Kabak's stay on Merseyside a permanent one, turning down the opportunity to buy the youngster for £18m earlier in the window.
That has left the door open for other clubs to swoop for the 6 foot 1 centre-back, and Parish must attempt to complete a deal for Kabak this summer.
Although Palace have already significantly strengthened their central defensive options following the arrivals of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen, the 21-year-old's price tag makes him a very attractive option.
While signing a striker and right-winger should arguably take priority over another centre-back, the south Londoners could rue missing out on the Schalke ace should he move to another suitor.
His arrival at Selhurst Park would add genuine strength in depth to Patrick Vieira's squad and provide the new manager with a selection headache that all bosses crave.
In other news... Parish eyes Crystal Palace move for “top class” 14-cap dynamo, Vieira needs him