Crystal Palace have to keep scouring the market with the danger of getting dragged into the relegation scramble very real. Sam Allardyce has failed to turn things around and although he will be afforded much more time than any other manager would have had the luxury of getting.
The Eagles had stagnated and actually gone back a few steps under Alan Pardew and it was imperative the board sacked the former Newcastle boss before he could be involved in a few more premature chicken dances in matches his teams would eventually lose. With just 6 wins in the entirety of last year, the fans would have hoped for a better start to this one.
Sam Allardyce has addressed the severe dearth of players in the fullback with the signing of Premier League Champion Jeffrey Schlupp and is said to be looking to get more players in that area into the team. But it is not just the fullbacks he has to worry about. Despite Tomkins coming on in summer, there is very little depth and very limited quality in the event of injuries or suspensions, both of which are a common occurrence under the gaffer.
And along with the defence, his attack is obviously an area which needs reinforcements. They have failed to click as a unit and despite having the likes of Zaha, Puncheon, Cabaye, Townsend and Benteke, they have been toothless in front of goal. It is evident that the current lot are not gelling well and a tweak here and there is required, either in tactics or in personnel.
With Townsend reportedly on his way to Newcastle only 6 months after leaving them, there is an added need to find a replacement and bring in a surprise element in the team.
And according to reports, Crystal Palace are in the market for RB Leipzig winger Oliver Burke, who had joined the Bundesliga contenders for a healthy fee of £13m from Nottingham Forest. But having failed to nail down a starting spot, it is said that the player is looking for a temporary move back to England as he needs minutes under his belt at this important point in his career.
He came through the academy at Nottingham Forest, signing a professional contract in September 2014 and making his debut the following February. In August 2016, Burke signed for the Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig for a reported fee of £13 million, making him the most expensive Scottish footballer of all time.
Burke is a big, tall, bulky lad for someone of his age and it is evident an effort is made to maintain that appearance. He will most likely bulldoze past you rather than use some nimble footwork and it is something which will find acceptance in the Premier League. He Is extremely quick for someone of his height and is a nightmare for defenders considering their inability to outmuscle him even if they get close enough.
If Crystal Palace can get this deal done, the team will certainly be better off with him (duh!).
