This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Crystal Palace expressed an interest in signing AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek, although the forward is not open to the move.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Eagles were linked with the 10-cap Poland international's name in a story written by the Italian news outlet, although the former Genoa man - who has also been linked with a return to his old stomping ground at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris - does not want to take a backwards step in his career.

Piatek began life with Milan on fire, scoring nine Serie A goals in his first 16 starts following a £30.9m move to the San Siro in January 2019.

However, so far this season, the 24-year-old has struggled for consistency, netting just three times in 14 outings in Italy's top flight.

Interest highlights Dougie Freedman and Steve Parish's ambition

While Piatek may not be having the best of times this term, there is no doubting that he is a striker of real pedigree and one who was considered amongst Europe's best before his move to Milan.

The former KS Cracovia attacker scored 19 goals in just 21 outings for Genoa in his first venture into European football, attracting the interest of Chelsea before his lucrative move to Italian giants Milan.

Piatek also has five goals in his ten appearances for Poland, and has found the back of the net 83 times in 209 career appearances while also grabbing 16 assists - on average, the Polish hitman has been involved in a goal every 2.1 games throughout his club career.

As aforesaid, he may be struggling right now, but Piatek is a striker of real quality and the mere fact that Palace's Sporting Director Dougie Freedman and chairman Steve Parish have even made advances to sign him highlights the ambition of the pair.

The Eagles may not sign Piatek after his revelation of not wanting to take a step back, but it is encouraging to see such lofty targets being pursued.

In other news, these Crystal Palace fans were not happy with transfer comments from Wilfried Zaha's agent...