Bilal El Khannouss informs Leicester City he wants to join Palace | OneFootball

Bilal El Khannouss has made it clear to Leicester City that he wants to leave the club in order to join Crystal Palace, with negotiations between the two sides now in progress.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been one of the Foxes’ standout performers despite their relegation to the Championship last season, and his determination to move on has given Palace encouragement as they seek to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad before the transfer deadline.

Palace have long tracked El Khannouss and view him as a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of a move that now appears close.

With Eze seemingly on his way out, Palace have accelerated their efforts to secure El Khannouss, who is considered a stylistic fit for Glasner’s system.

Leicester, however, are holding out for around £30 million, having paid £19 million to sign him from Genk only a year ago.

El Khannouss enjoyed a strong first season in English football, making 31 Premier League appearances, scoring twice and providing three assists.

He quickly adapted to the demands of the top flight and maintained his place in the starting XI under both Ruud van Nistelrooy and Steve Cooper, earning praise for his creativity and composure in possession.

Even in Leicester’s difficult campaign, he stood out as one of their most reliable performers, showcasing an ability to carry the ball into advanced areas and unlock defences with incisive passing.

He has made a strong start to the season and has already played an important role in Leicester’s early matches.

His performances have reaffirmed his value and convinced Palace that he could provide an immediate impact in the Premier League.

For the player himself, a return to the top flight is seen as essential to his development, and he has informed Leicester of his wish to make the switch.

Palace are yet to submit an official offer, but talks are continuing and the player’s stance is likely to accelerate the process.

Leicester, meanwhile, are under no financial pressure to sell and are determined to secure a fee that reflects both his potential and their recent investment.

With Eze’s move to Tottenham nearing completion, Palace may now move quickly to ensure El Khannouss arrives as his successor.