Crystal Palace could be ready to raid one top Bundesliga club, if reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to French publication Foot Mercato, the Eagles are very interested in Guinean midfielder Ilaix Moriba.

With Patrick Vieira having already made personal contact to convince the midfielder, it is clear that he is valued highly by the powerbrokers at the Premier League club.

Under contract until 2026, RB Leipzig still hold all the power as Palace look to pry the 19-year-old from the German outfit.

Some much-needed depth

Vieira has very quickly transformed a lethargic Roy Hodgson side into one of the more promising teams in the league, with young exciting talent across the pitch.

Adding another youthful midfielder to the squad would only reinforce this philosophy further, building the next layer for what could be a sensational team in the near future.

Last season the teenager made 24 appearances across spells at both RB Leipzig and Valencia, featuring 14 times in La Liga for the latter during his loan spell.

Dubbed “brilliant” by journalist Alex Brotherton, Moriba has earned praise for his combative performances in the middle of the park.

He ranked in the top 2% for pressures per 90 among positional peers in Europe's top five leagues last term, and this relentlessness in the engine room for Palace could replace what was lost when Conor Gallagher returned to parent club Chelsea.

Whether he's selected off the bench or from the first whistle, this hard-working midfielder would appear to have plenty to offer Vieira’s side. He also outlined his defensive credentials last season, with 3.15 tackles and 2.17 aerial duels won per 90, whilst still managing 1.77 shots per game.

Moriba could be the Eagles’ quintessential all-action midfielder, and both club and player could end up being a “perfect” match for one another.

The £25k-per-week dynamo would likely command a modest fee, judging by his modest £8.1m Transfermarkt valuation, but it could be another shrewd piece of prospective business as he could slot nicely beside Cheick Doucoure.

His arrival would certainly add much-needed depth at Selhurst Park, and with Vieira having reportedly spoken to the player himself, the Palace boss must hold him in high regard. That should be enough to convince fans of his suitability to this Eagles crop.