The continued demolition of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup-winning squad has spilled into the January transfer window, as a star player nears an exit, according to reports.
It comes just days after manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that he will not sign a new deal and leave Selhurst Park in the summer.
Glasner claimed that he felt “completely abandoned” by the club’s hierarchy during the aftermath of their defeat away to Macclesfield Town – which saw them partake in the biggest FA Cup upset in history.
According to the BBC, his frustration stems from the decision to sell England international Marc Guehi to Manchester City, a day before their Premier League fixture at Sunderland.
The departure of the club captain may yet precede a deal which could see striker Jean-Philippe Mateta also leave South London.
‘EXCL: Aston Villa express interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta + Crystal Palace evaluating move for Evan Guessand.
‘#AVFC studying 28yo as striker option amid complex negotiations with Besiktas over Tammy Abraham.
‘#CPFC wanted 24yo last summer @TheAthleticFC’
Image credit: Werner100359, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Swap deal lined up
It is said that the move could be part of a swap which would see Aston Villa striker Evan Guessand move to Crystal Palace, with negotiations to re-sign Tammy Abraham proving difficult.
A move for Guessand would come after a longstanding interest from the Eagles, who wanted to sign the Ivorian last summer.
Transfer drama is the last thing that Palace need at the moment, with them winless in ten matches across all competitions, since defeating Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League.
Glasner’s side have slipped to 13th in the Premier League table and will welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park on Sunday, before away trips to Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
Should Mateta leave Crystal Palace, he will join Guehi, Eberechi Eze, and Odsonne Eduoard on the list of notable departures since their FA Cup triumph last season.
He would also leave them light on attacking options pending the arrival of Guessand, with Chistantus Uche their only remaining centre-forward.
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