Crystal Palace ‘favourites’ for transfer, £15m claim and Rangers eye swoop

Crystal Palace are looking to complete their first signings of the summer, following their impressive 12th place finish in the league.

This will be Patrick Vieira’s second season in charge of the Eagles, with reinforcements needed to try and break into the Premier League top ten.

Vieira took over from veteran Roy Hodgson who managed to establish Palace as a Premier League club. Club chairman Steve Parish will be hoping some new additions can help the team kick on from last season.

In light of this, here are the latest Palace transfer rumours.

Johnstone latest

According to the BBC, Palace are now the clear favourites to secure the signature of out of contract goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The former West Brom stopper is looking for a move back to the top-flight after being relegated with the Baggies in 2021.

The arrival of Johnstone should mean backup keeper Jack Butland will leave Selhurst Park. The Englishman is seen as a long-term replacement for 35-year-old Vicente Guaita.

Rangers eye Butland

Crystal Palace deputy goalkeeper Jack Butland is on the shortlist to replace Allan McGregor at Rangers for the upcoming season, according to The Sun.

Rangers legend McGregor is still in the midst of deciding his future at the Glasgow club.

The form of Palace stopper Guaita has prevented Butland from playing more for the Eagles, making only 17 appearances since he joined the club in 2020.

Doucoure to the Eagles?

Palace are in pursuit of Watford Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure and it is looking like a deal will be reached between the two clubs, according to The Sun.

Vieira wants to sign the midfielder, with it being rumoured that £15m could secure his services for the 2022-2023 season.

The Mali international is also being chased by a host of other English sides, including Arsenal and Everton.

As Palace have lost Connor Gallagher already, Doucoure seems like an ideal addition to help bolster their midfield options.