Crystal Palace have thus far been thwarted in their attempts to sign a striker who would provide a reliable output of goals during the course of the season. Alan Pardew’s objectives for the club have been hindered by the lack of a goalscorer as they have chopped and changed thereby disturbing the balance of the team. With players like Cabaye, Bolasie, Townsend and Zaha, common sense calls out for a striker who could do justice to the invention of these creative players. And Pardew has seemingly identified the shortcomings in this area and the Eagles have subsequently pursued Christian Benteke as their prime target this summer. While they have smashed their transfer record already this summer with the purchase of Andros Townsend from Newcastle, the failed bids for Benteke dwarf the amount for the England winger.
Liverpool have knocked back two previous bids and are said to be holding out for a £32.5m upfront cash for the striker. While Crystal Palace consider their options we look at 3 alternatives in case they fail to land the towering Belgian-
WILFRIED BONY
The gentle giant hasn’t been able to assert himself over at the star-studded Etihad and has been linked with a move away almost ever since he cluelessly bundled in his first goal for City. He took the field just 17 times but last heard he was looking to purchase an island in the UAE. On a serious note, the big Ivorian would have matured after his difficult learning experience at City and will be hungry to re-establish himself as the force he was at Swansea. Despite his struggles at City, he is still considered as someone who can trouble Premier League defences in a team which suits his playing style. But his wage demands have proved to be a stumbling block in City’s attempts to off-load him.
SAIDO BERAHINO
Another English cry-baby, this talented striker has been agitating for a move away from the West Midlands for over a year now. Though understandably he underperformed amongst a host of underperformers at the club(!), and scored a meagre 4 goals, there is no denying the fact we expect a lot more from him. And it’s about time the player is picked up from his pram and put onto the football field after having some sense knocked into him. His pace and finishing will be invaluable for the Eagles who have lacked a proven finisher at the club. At 22 years of age, the Englishman will be eager to re-establish himself after the last couple of seasons. Pardew will have to utilise his man-management skills and hone this player who has all the capabilities of having a successful career ahead of him.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
The former Premier League hitman has failed to fall in love with Turkey(no, not the bird) and is desperately on the lookout for a move away. His agent has been masquerading his client to various clubs but hasn’t had any luck thus far. He undoubtedly has his finishing prowess safely tucked inside his pocket( as his 14 goals in 29 games show) but with his age and wage seemingly an issue for the mid-table clubs, a move for the former Premier league big-hitter looks unlikely. But with his instincts in front of goal and his desire to prove a point or two having suffered a frustrating year, his acquisition potentially be a canny one.
