Crystal Palace eyeing Genoa striker Jeff Ekhator if they fail to sign Sidiki Cherif | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are considering a move for Genoa striker Jeff Ekhator if they fail to sign Angers striker Sidiki Cherif, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

Palace have reached agreement over personal terms with Cherif, but the Selhurst Park club and their French counterparts have not been able to agree to a fee.

As a result, the Eagles are looking at other options as manager Oliver Glasner wants a replacement for the wantaway Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Ekhator has emerged as a target for Palace and they could get him before the end of the winter transfer window as Genoa are prepared to sanction his sale for around €18 million.

However, the Eagles will face competition for his services as the Italy under-21 international striker also has other suitors.

The 19-year-old has three goals in 19 appearances so far this term after ending last term with just one goal and one assist in 24 Serie A games.

The 6ft 2in Genoa academy graduate has huge potential and Palace believe he has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League.

A move to Selhurst Park right now could appeal to Ekhator as he has a chance to replace Mateta.

Palace have Christantus Uche, Daichi Kamada and Ismaila Sarr as striking options should the France international leave as expected, but Glasner will hope to get another striker in.

More options could emerge for the Eagles in the coming days but they do not have plenty of time left ahead of the February 2 deadline.

Losing Mateta will be a huge blow as he has weighed in with eight goals in 22 league games so far in 2025-26 after scoring 30 league goals across the last two seasons.

Palace will hope to sign the perfect long-term replacement and they need to get that done to boost their chances of winning the Conference League.