Crystal Palace are yet to win a single game since they appointed Sam Allardyce in place of Alan Pardew. A loss to Arsenal was understandable but you can’t really have an excuse for a loss against Swansea City. A draw against Watford was an okayish result but a drab stalemate against Bolton Wanderers was unacceptable. However, it is still a transition time for the Eagles and when the team finally settles under big Sam, they will start performing.
The Birmingham Mail claim that Crystal Palace are planning a raid on the Premier League champions Leicester City as they are contemplating an offer for Jeffrey Schlupp who is also wanted by both Midlands club Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion. It’s no surprise to see Crystal Palace being credited with an interest in a player who can play at left-back as that is one position where they are in a dire need for players.
The Birmingham Mail claim that it is West Brom who are leading the chase for the 23-year-old which is understandable because the Baggies wanted him in the summer as well. Pulis had four bids ranging between £9m and £12m rejected by the Premier League holders. Schlupp himself was very eager to move on from the King Power in search of more first-team opportunities but the Foxes were adamant on holding on to as many players as possible because they didn’t want to upset the balance.
Schlupp’s struggle for first-team opportunities has become more prominent this season. Formerly, it was just Marc Albrighton ahead of him in the pecking order on the left flank and now Ahmed Musa is also there. The 23-year-old needs a move desperately in order to get playing time and he could get that at Hawthorns. Schlupp has only started one Premier League game so far this campaign and featured just once in the Champions League so far.
One of the key reasons why Crystal Palace have struggled this season is Pape Souare’s injury. In the bombarding left back’s absence, Palace have lacked any kind of threat from the left flank and Schlupp could change that. On top of that, he is pretty good as a winger and can challenge the likes of Townsend and Puncheon in the winger role too. His excellent eye for a cross will make him a menace for any defence and keeping Benteke’s aerial prowess in mind, he could be a brilliant player at the south London club.
