Alan Pardew is desperate to bring in fresh faces to turn Crystal Palace’s fortunes this season. Palace have lost 8 of their opening 13 games and are hovering in the 17th position with just 13 points. They suffered their 6th successive defeat this week at the hands of under-performing Swansea City.
Pardew has very little time to save the Eagles’ season and even lesser time to save his job. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, is also reportedly set to speak with Alan Pardew in the next 24 hours as he seeks evidence that the manager has drawn up a clear plan aimed at extricating the team from their dismal losing run.
There are rumours floating that Palace’s American owners are very much aware of Sam Allardyce’s availability in the market after the former Sunderland manager left his position with England after 67 days in September. The other alternatives are former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and Roy Hodgson.
According to various reports, Palace has been keeping tabs on Senegal international midfielder Papa Alioune Ndiaye, who plays for Turkish side Osmanlispor. Everton midfielder James McCarthy is also on his wish list. 26-year-old Ndiaye has been quite impressive in his club’s Europa League campaign and he even scored in their meeting with Steaua Bucharest last Thursday.
Palace has been terribly struggling to find the back of the net this season with Christian Benteke and James McArthur being the only exception. Ndiaye has scored six goals this season and has attracted many suitors with his goal scoring and dribbling ability, which includes Everton.
Osmanlispor bought him for £1.2million in 2015 and are looking to sell for around £6.8million in January. He has scored one goal this season, creating three chances and one assist. He has also completed 117 passes this season with a passing accuracy of 86%, of which 72% were forward passes.
He has an average passing accuracy of 78% and wins 61% of his average duels. He also takes an average of 3.5 shots per game, which aptly reflects his offensive and defensive abilities from the midfield. Apart from his sublime passing abilities, Ndiaye is also adept at taking controlled long range shots.
Ndiaye could be a brilliant signing for Palace’s midfield, which would allow Yohan Cabaye to play a more creative role up front. With players like Puncheon, Zaha, Wickham and Benteke up front, his inclusion will definitely sharpen Palace’s edge in the attack.
