According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Crystal Palace and Fulham have now joined an intense race to sign 21-year-old African defender Ousmane Diao from FC Midtjylland.
Nine clubs are interested in signing Diao, and it will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace or Fulham can win the race for his signature.
The Midtjylland defender has done quite well for the Scandinavian outfit, and his performances have attracted the attention of the two Premier League clubs.
Crystal Palace are likely to lose Marc Guehi at the end of the season, and they will need to replace him. The 21-year-old African could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition.
Crystal Palace have done well over the last 12 months, and they have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield. They have an exciting project and a quality manager at their disposal. The 21-year-old defender will be attracted to the idea of joining them.
Meanwhile, Fulham need to tighten up at the back as well. They have looked vulnerable defensively this season. They need to improve in that area of the pitch if they want to finish in a respectable position.
It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done for the 21-year-old. Ousmane Diao would be a long-term acquisition, and he could develop into a key player for them.
The opportunity to join a Premier League club will be quite exciting for Diao. The African will want to compete at the highest level, and regular football in England could bring out the best in him. It would be a major step up for him, and it could help him fulfil his tremendous potential.
Midtjylland will not want to lose a key player like him, but the English clubs have the finances to tempt them with a lucrative proposal. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Diao needs regular gametime to continue his development. He should look to seek gametime assurance before choosing his next destination. He needs to join a club where he will get regular opportunities. He cannot afford to sit on the bench at a big club.
