Crystal Palace considering signing 'brilliant' Watford midfielder with 'pace and power'

Crystal Palace are said to be expressing interest in a Watford player ahead of the summer transfer window. Oliver Glasner is likely to get some backing this summer after producing positive results on the whole this season.

New recruits are particularly likely because exits could be on the cards, and high profile exits no less. The likes of Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze are among those to have been linked with a move away, with interest likely in all of those players.

With that in mind, the Eagles will be looking around to identify potential targets for the summer, and according to reports in Africa, one of those targets involves a current Watford star. It’s by Africa Foot that Edo Kayembe is being eyed, with the midfielder having been a staple for the Hornets since his arrival in 2022.

It’s reported that Kayembe will be on the lookout for a Premier League return having missed out on a move to Ipswich Town last summer. A promotion for The Hornets could change that, but they are currently in ninth spot and not occupying a playoff berth.

Kayembe is 26 years of age, and he is a defensive midfielder. Under contract until 2026, Watford will need to consider selling him to maximise their profits this summer if they cannot agree a new deal.

Cleverley’s Kayembe praise

Watford boss Tom Cleverley said of Kayembe back in the summer: “He’s been brilliant for us, and is an example for us day in day out on how to train, how to prepare and how to play, He thoroughly deserves the start to the season he’s having. I said in pre-season that he was the example for the rest of the group. Right now he’s got some close seconds and I don’t want to teacher’s pet him, but he thoroughly deserves it.

“Edo has pace, power, he’s got great technique, and all of those attributes lend themselves to playing a little bit further forward. With Tom and Moussa sort of controlling the possession and feeding Edo and Giorgi, we have a real good balance in the middle of the pitch. His work in pre-season and in training means I’m not surprised at the start he’s made, and I thoroughly expect him to keep on.”

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