Patrick Vieira has already solved two Crystal Palace transfer issues despite Man Utd blow

Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of former academy product Aaron Wan-Bissaka with the defender now set to stay at Old Trafford.

The Eagles have transformed their transfer policies and have brought in young players Cheick Doucouré as replacement for Kouyate who left on a free and later joined Nottingham Forest.

They have also brought in young defender Chris Richards from Bayern Munich and he’s already shown signs of promise in his debut.

Sam Johnstone, Malcolm Ebiowei and Jacob Montes have all been brought in to generate competition but most importantly with an eye for the future.

The most important signing of the summer could be the return to fitness of Michael Olise who started his first game of the season against Brentford on Tuesday night.

The speedy winger had been struggling with a foot injury he suffered at the tail end of last season. Vieira has always favoured Jordan Ayew because of his defensive output but Olise gives Vieira a deadly depth and allows him to use Ayew centrally like he did during pre-season.

How Olise can push Jordan Ayew through the middle

Jordan has just four goals in his last 60 Premier League matches but the numbers don’t give a full view of his importance to the team, he covers ground and his defensive roles allows others to shine.

There is a thought within the technical team that both Ayew and Olise can play in the same team with the Ghanaian taking on a more of a central role.

Another option the return of Olise gives the Palace team is that, it allows Vieira to try a more fluid forward which includes Olise on the right. Zaha in the middle and Odsonne Édouard on the left if they are to go ultra-attacking.

The Eagles are still recovering from conceding late against Brentford, a game which Wilfried Zaha described as ‘kill’ themselves.

But if there was a positive from the game, it would be the form and fitness of Olise with Vieira admitting that he would be very important for his team going forward.

“I’m happy he is back and he will be very important for us this season,” the Palace boss told BT Sport after the game.”