Crystal Palace plotting swoop for Republic of Ireland youth international as they keep one eye on the future

Crystal Palace are reportedly plotting a swoop for Cork City attacker Franco Umeh. The Eagles could look to lure the prospect to the Premier League as they look to bolster their youth ranks before the end of the January transfer window.

According to the Irish Examiner, the London club are ‘lining’ up a bid as they seek to tempt the Irish club into cashing in. The reports adds that they watched him in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week against Dundalk.

Crystal Palace could see Umeh as a potential long-term addition as they keep one eye on the future. His former Cork City teammate Mark O’Mahony made the move over to England earlier this winter to put pen-to-paper with Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 18-year-old is being tipped for a bright future in the game. He has made three competitive senior appearances so far to date and is a Rebublic of Ireland youth international.

It has been a quiet month at Selhurst Park so far and the Eagles have been patient with their recruitment for the first-team. The deadline is next Tuesday and the clock is ticking for Patrick Viera to add some reinforcements into his squad.

In other news, Crystal Palace-linked striker Antoine Semenyo has completed a move to AFC Bournemouth. The Ghana international was at the World Cup earlier this winter.