Crystal Palace have not been involved in the transfer window this January as of yet, and after their heavily speculated interest in a move for Arsenal forward, Eddie Nketiah was shut down by Mikel Arteta, Vieira could make a move for an alternative.

What's the word?

The Eagles have been linked with Marseille forward, Bamba Dieng, and journalist, Adam White, has been speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the potential signing.

The reporter commented: “For Palace, yes (he would be a good signing) because he's a talented player, he’s a goal scorer. His movement's fantastic, very, very skilful finisher. But for him as a player, he needs time.

"So, Marseille is a good place for him to be at the moment, but if Palace can get him, then they're getting a very, very talented striker.”

French news outlet, Le Provence, reported last week that Crystal Palace join Newcastle United, West Ham and Aston Villa as Premier League clubs who have shown interest in the 21-year-old, with the Magpies reportedly lining up an offer of €18m (£15m).

Nketiah alternative

In terms of signing Arsenal striker, Nketiah, Arteta has shut down the potential of Palace signing him, after telling the media in a press conference that the 22-year-old will "stay here with us" on Wednesday afternoon, which should now encourage Vieira to pursue Dieng.

Dieng has four goals and one assist in 20 appearances for his Ligue One club so far this season, compared to Nketiah's handful of goals in just eight appearances for Arsenal, with all five strikes coming from EFL Cup appearances.

The Gunners forward is not a Premier League starter in Arteta's side, making only three appearances off the bench and no starts in the top-flight this term. In comparison, Dieng has played 14 and started seven league games for Marseille so far this season which proves that he is a more trusted, experienced and a consistently featured player in his current side in all competitions, including the Europa League.

Signing the £7.2m-rated star could actually be great for Palace in their pursuit of finding a forward that can meet the expectations of the French manager, who has begun a youth revolution at the club, with the Senegalese attacker fitting the profile for the type of player to finally replace 32 year old, Christian Benteke in the squad.

With that being said, Vieira could kill two birds with one stone by making the signing, taking the pressure off relying on Benteke, and continuing to build his younger squad, after signing several young players in the summer.

In other news: Vieira could make first mistake with Aaron Ramsey signing