Crystal Palace have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Parma winger Yann Karamoh.

What's the story?

The Eagles have been linked with a move for the pacey 23-year-old in recent weeks as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to bolster his forward line.

However, according to Italian outlet Sport Parma (as relayed by Sport Witness), Karamoh is edging towards Ligue 1 champions Lille rather than Selhurst Park.

The report claims that both Palace and Les Dogues have made contact with the player's representatives but that his entourage is ‘working’ to get the transfer to Lille, with a £5 million price tag muted.

Patrick Vieira will be fuming

Karamoh rose to prominence after a string of impressive performances for boyhood club Caen earned him a permanent move to Italian giants Inter back in 2018 following a successful loan spell at San Siro.

He struggled to make an impact in Milan, though, scoring just once in 18 appearances for the Nerazzurri before a move back to French football with Bordeaux resurrected his career.

His impressive performances with Les Girondins earned several plaudits, including former manager Eric Bedouet.

“Yann has qualities that are not ordinary. He has a great intensity,” stated Bedouet. “He can make the difference when you need it most, which is not a common trait amongst most players. He is a fantastic dribbler and is still growing. He is a very interesting prospect.”

With Andros Townsend joining fellow Premier League side Everton and Eberechi Eze sidelined through injury until January at the earliest, Vieira is thought to be in the market for a new wide man this summer.

However, it's looking increasingly unlikely that Karamoh will be joining Vieira's revolution in south London, which is sure to leave the former Nice boss fuming.

Although Palace have undoubtedly had a solid transfer window so far, bringing in the likes of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, the capital club are still in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.

Recent reports have revealed that Southampton have beaten them to the signature of Adam Armstrong, while Brighton and Hove Albion are in pole position for Eddie Nketiah, seemingly leaving Vieira no closer to signing another forward.

This latest setback will surely infuriate the Arsenal legend further, increasing the pressure of the club to get some business done as the new Premier League campaign approaches.

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