Malcolm Ebiowei is already making a huge impression at Crystal Palace following his move from Derby County in the summer and it seems as if he could be a big part of Patrick Vieira's first-team squad next season.

What's the word?

The 18-year-old joined on a free transfer from financially-stricken Derby earlier in the summer and has caught the eye with his pre-season performances thus far.

While he has very little experience in senior football it was perhaps expected that he would return to the Championship on loan next season, however, it seems as if he could now play his part in the Premier League, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

On Twitter, the transfer insider said: "Patrick Vieira, happy with Malcolm Ebiowei's impact at Crystal Palace. No plan to let him leave on loan, as of now - Ebiowei could really have a chance at Palace already this year. Vieira wants to work closely with Ebiowei to become an important player for the future."

Supporters will be buzzing

Crystal Palace fans will also have been impressed by the glimpses of Ebiowei in pre-season, with this clip of him sitting down Fred in the Eagles' pre-season defeat to Manchester United no doubt whetting the appetite of supporters.

Although Vieira is already blessed with a lot of young exciting talent out wide, such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, it is a long season and Ebiowei will no doubt get opportunities to impress at Selhurst Park.

Given that he was able to impress in a relegation side last season in his first taste of senior football, contributing one goal and two assists in just 16 appearances, earning a solid 6.85 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

If he can live up to his obvious potential and start to impress in Palace's side next season, then signing him on a free could prove to be a superb piece of business by the Eagles.

AND in other news: Vieira can unearth Palace’s Zaha heir in teenage star with “a little bit of X-factor”