Crystal Palace open talks for defender with €80m price tag | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon to discuss a deal to sign Ousmane Diomande.

The Eagles are keen to build on their FA Cup success and European qualification with a statement signing.

According to BBC Sport, Palace have begun negotiations with Sporting over Diomande, who is regarded as one of the most promising defenders outside Europe’s top five leagues.

The Ivory Coast international has been tracked extensively by the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ across the last two seasons.

Why Crystal Palace want to sign Ousmane Diomande

Diomande has starred in successive Primeira Liga title triumphs for Sporting. The 21-year-old has been named in the division’s Team of the Year in consecutive campaigns.

Last season, the defender was among Portuguese football’s top players for passing accuracy (1st), progressive carrying distance (2nd), touches (3rd), percentage of dribblers tackled (3rd) and aerial duels won (7th).

His experience of playing in a back three further boosts his appeal, given Oliver Glasner’s preference for a three centre-back system.

It remains to be seen whether Palace can reach Diomande’s price tag. The Ivorian is contracted at Sporting until 2027 and has a release clause of €80m (£67m) in his contract at The Estádio José Alvalade.

Palace’s interest also comes amid uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi’s future. The England international has just 12 months to run on his contract and Palace run the risk of losing the defender for free in 2026. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have both had bids turned down for the centre-back in the last year.

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