Juventus are attempting to hijack Crystal Palace’s loan move for Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand, though Palace remain favourites to complete the deal. The Eagles are in advanced negotiations over a loan with an option to buy. According to Footballtoday.com.
Juventus threaten to disrupt Palace’s Guessand transfer as deadline approaches
The Telegraph reports that Juventus are looking to hijack Palace’s deal for Evann Guessand, creating late complications in the transfer window. However, Palace remain likely to secure the forward as they are in advanced negotiations with Aston Villa over a loan move that could include an option to buy.
Guessand arrived at Villa in a deal worth £30.4 million last summer, but the transfer has not worked out as expected. Villa are now ready to sanction a departure before the winter transfer window closes, opening the door for interested clubs.
Palace’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements comes amid uncertainty over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future at Selhurst Park. Nottingham Forest have made a £35m offer for the striker, but Palace are holding out for £40m before sanctioning his departure.
The Eagles have already invested £35m to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur but want further attacking reinforcements. Their alternative target Jorgen Strand Larsen appears increasingly unlikely, with Palace unwilling to match Wolves’ £50m price tag for the Norwegian who has scored just one Premier League goal this season.
Palace’s transfer activity reflects their challenging campaign, sitting 15th in the league standings after collecting just 28 points from 23 matches. The proposed move for Strand Larsen is now in doubt, making Guessand an increasingly important target for their attacking options.
