Crystal Palace are hoping to complete the signing of Naouirou Ahamada before the end of the window and want to add depth to their thin squad, Pete O'Rourke has claimed.

What's the word?

Patrick Vieira wants to pad his squad with quality, but are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window.

They have been strongly linked with Ahamada of Stuttgart, whose ‘energetic’ nature can bring a freshness to the Crystal Palace midfield.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O'Rourke explained it is a deal the Eagles want to get done, and that they want some bodies in before the end of the window.

He said: “He [Vieira] feels the squad is quite thin and he is looking [for] backing for some signings before the window closes as well. So he'd be hoping to get this deal over the line before next week's deadline.”

A fresh face

Palace have been inconsistent this season, as whilst they are safely clear of the relegation zone for now, there could be an opportunity to push further up the table, but reinforcements are necessary.

If they can secure a deal for Ahamada, he can bring a fresh presence to the Eagles midfield.

He ranks in the top 25% of midfielders for goals and dribbles in top competitions over the past year, as per FBref, highlighting the creative spark he can bring to the side.

The likes of Will Hughes, Luka Milivojevic and Cheick Doucoure pale in comparison to Ahamada by those same metrics, while at just 20 years old, he has plenty of time to develop.

Meanwhile, players such as Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have shown that Selhurst Park is currently an excellent place for young, creative players to move to in order to further their development, and Ahamada could be the next top talent to arrive in south London.