Crystal Palace keen on signing player who reportedly rejected Nottingham Forest last year

Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on Spezia striker M’Bala Nzola. The Angola international has been a key player for his current club in Serie A over the past few years and they could face a battle to keep hold of him in the future.

He apparently rejected a move to Nottingham Forest last year, as per reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, after the Reds had agreed a deal to lure him to the City Ground. The player is now being linked with a move to England once again.

Nzola, 26, has fired 25 goals in 78 appearances in all competitions since moving to Stadio Alberto Picco back in 2019. His contract is up at the end of this season and he is currently due to become a free agent next summer.

According to a report by Italian news outlet CalcioMercato, his form has attracted the attention of Patrick Viera’s side. The January transfer window opens just after the World Cup this winter and clubs in England will no doubt be plotting potential targets already.

Crystal Palace target emerges

Nzola, who has five caps under his belt for his country so far, started his career in France as a youngster at Troyes. He then had a two-year spell in Portugal with Académica and Sertanense before laying down roots in Italy in 2016.

He endured stints at Virtus Francavilla, Carpi and Trapani in the lower leagues before Spezia came calling. The forward has since become a key player for the Liguria-based outift and is one of their most prized assets.

Crystal Palace have emerged as a suitor for his signature and could see him as ideal competition and back-up for their attacking department. The Eagles beat Leeds United 2-1 over the weekend at Selhurst Park.