Crystal Palace land first winter transfer with £11 million highly-rated star flying into London for medical

Patrick Vieira has finally got his man, with reports in France claiming Crystal Palace and Stuttgart have agreed a deal in the region of £11 million for Naouirou Ahamada.

The Eagles have not replaced Conor Gallagher who was a massive success for them last season - and long-term servant Cheikhou Kouyaté also left for Nottingham Forest without being properly replaced.

James McArthur, who was a key member of the midfielder trio last season, has not kicked a ball in the last four months and and even though Cheick Doucouré has been brilliant since coming in in the summer, there is no hiding from the fact that the Palace midfield needs more legs. Naouirou Ahamada will provide more of that.

LondonWorld.com understands that Naouirou Ahamada will sign a three and half deal at Selhurst and he’s on a flight to London where he will undergo medical before being unveiled by the club.

Ahamada joined Stuttgart from Juventus and the French Under-18 international has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season for the Bundesliga side.

Born in Marseille, he is a player Vieira knows very well with his French connections and he is likely to be thrust straight into action as Palace need his engine and industry.

Despite what has been an underwhelming season so far compared to last time out the Eagles are still 12th on the league table with impressive points against highflying Manchester United and Newcastle in the league.

Eagles fans have been calling for signings to help the team and they would be delighted with the move for the young French international.