Crystal Palace ‘close’ to new signing as rivals swoop in for other transfer target

Crystal Palace will be keen to add more signings to their squad before the start of the season.

The Eagles have brought in a couple of new faces in the form of young attacker Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby County and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from West Bromwich Albion.

However, news on arrivals has been quiet over recent days and the London club will be looking to get the ball back rolling again with their recruitment.

They finished in a decent 12th place finish last term in the Premier League in their first campaign under Patrick Viera.

Here is a look at all the latest news and rumours coming out of the club today....

Blow in Downes race

Crystal Palace have been trying to sign midfielder Flynn Downes from Swansea City this summer.

The former Ipswich Town man has been identified as someone to help fill the void left by Conor Gallagher’s return to Chelsea.

However, he is poised to sign for West Ham United instead in a £12m deal, as per Sky Sports.

McArthur setback

James McArthur is set to miss the start of the new campaign through injury.

The veteran has picked up a groin injury in pre-season training and will now be sidelined.

The Athletic report he is ‘likely’ to be out for a month which isn’t ideal in terms of planning for the new campaign.

Midfielder signing ‘close’

In more positive news, Crystal Palace are edging towards completing the signing midfielder Cheick Doucoure from Lens.

The Eagles have been linked with him for a while now and the move has seemed to drag on.

The Athletic claim he is ‘close’ to securing his switch to Selhurst Park.