Crystal Palace are closing in on the signing of Jeffrey Schlupp from Leicester City, according to Sky Sports.

What's the latest?

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri confirmed this week that Schlupp has been allowed to leave the club after he expressed his unhappiness at the King Power Stadium.

Ranieri told reporters: "I spoke with him, he spoke with the club. Of course, he is not happy. He is a fantastic man, a fantastic player, and I said if he wants to go, he can go.

"But also after this is the money. It has to be right for the club. If the right money arrives then he can go.”

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Initially Sam Allardyce’s Palace had a £9m bid rejected by the Premier League champions, reports Sky Sports, but now the broadcaster claims that an agreement has been reached over a £12m fee.

The report adds that Schlupp will undergo a medical ahead of the move to Selhurst Park, but it is understood that the Eagles may not be able to register the player in time for Saturday’s game against West Ham United.

Can Schlupp solve Allardyce's left-sided issue?

The number one benefit to having Schlupp in your side is his versatility, as he can play as a left-back or winger.

He even started his career up front, but has now settled into the left side of the pitch, which is where Allardyce is keen to strengthen.

Palace have a lack of options in the left-back role ever since Pape Souare was forced out of action after suffering injuries in a car accident last year.

Martin Kelly, who is predominantly a right-back, has been featuring in that slot, but if Schlupp completes his switch to Selhurst Park, he is likely to be used straight away.

The 24-year-old has failed to gain first-team action at Leicester this season having made just seven appearances in all competitions.

The Ghana international, who came through the Foxes' academy in 2010, has started just one Premier League fixture for the club.

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