Crystal Palace are interested in securing the services of Dundee’s Jack Hendry when the transfer window commences in January. Some sources are claiming that the Eagles are among a whole host of clubs lining up for the defender’s services. Their Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Southampton are also keeping tabs on the 22-year-old defender ahead of a possible move next month. The Scottish youngster has been compared to the likes of Manchester City’s John Stones due to his ability to play the ball as a centre-back and not be afraid to pass it out from the defensive third.
Hendry has recently received praise from Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers for his performance against the Scottish champions back in October.
The Scottish manager said: ‘The boy Hendry at the back I thought was excellent. He’s quick and strong and is a good size. Scotland needs centre-halves and that looks like a good kid. He’s tall, he can run and he can pass. He looks a talent.’
The defender was born in Glasgow but decided to join Dundee following his arrival from Wigan Athletic in July. His current deal with Dundee runs out in the summer of 2019. However, it is understood that the financially stretched Scottish club will sit down to talk about Hendry’s future later this week amidst speculation linking him with clubs from the Premier League.
The Scottish Premiership club reckons that they can use the cash generated from his sale and make significant improvements in some of the other areas of their squad. It is expected that Hendry will take time to settle into the Premier League but the defender definitely has what it takes to make it in the top tier of English football.
The Eagles are currently struggling in the league at the moment. They failed to secure the three points against Bournemouth after missing a great chance to win the contest from the penalty spot. Roy Hodgson’s men lie rock bottom of the Premier League standings and are in dire need of some quality at the back. Their defence has been poor this season which has seen them concede 27 goals in 16 matches. Hendry is a defender who can surely add some cover to their frailing defence going into the second half of the campaign.
It remains to be seen whether the Eagles can fend off competition from the Saints and the Magpies in pursuit of his signature next month.
