Crystal Palace stepping up negotiations to sign Lyon defender Ruben Kluivert | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are reported to have stepped up talks with Olympique Lyonnais in their bid to sign Ruben Kluivert (25), according to information from L’Équipe.

Still on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following the failure of Club Brugge’s Joel Ordóñez (22) to pass his medical, the Eagles’ management are said to have made the Dutchman their prime target. Their Lyon counterparts, forced to sell to balance their books, are reportedly open to Kluivert’s departure, valuing him at around €20m.

This is a sum that Crystal Palace could soon be willing to offer, whilst another Premier League club, as well as a European club, are said to have already sounded out the 25-year-old’s entourage. If an agreement were to be reached, the centre-back would fly to London as early as this weekend.

Signed by Lyon from Casa Pia for €3.78m last summer, Kluivert has had a mixed season, during which he has made 24 appearances in all competitions (two goals, two assists) and suffered several fitness setbacks.

GFFN | Léo Aschi