Sam Allardyce has changed quite a few things at Crystal Palace since taking over the club not so long ago and having pushed them out of the drop zone, the manager will not look to improve on the squad next season. Former Liverpool star Christian Benteke joined the club at the start of the season as the most expensive signing for the club but he has not been able to score consistently and most of it is down to the attacking quality around him at the club.
The Belgian international also has not real competition (expect on-loan Loic Remy) for his place at the club and Sam Allardyce will want to add a striker to his squad, not just to push Benteke but also to provide him with support when needed. The Eagles play a particular brand of football that not many strikers can fit in but here are three stars who Big Sam should try and get to the Selhurst Park this summer.
3 Strikers Crystal Palace Can Target This Summer
Jay Rodriguez (Southampton)
Linked with a move to the White Hart Lane recently, the 27-year old English international has played more than 200 league games in England and is one of the most experienced players in his position in the country. However, he is currently out of favor at the St Marys and is the fourth choice striker for Claude Puel and he will surely be interested in swapping shirts for regular game time this summer.
Though his return of five goals and two assists in all competition this season is not attractive, he has most attributes that make him a success in England and he will add versatility and creativity to the Palace attacking line which has been missing this season. Surely he can not only act as a backup but can also replace Benteke in the first team.
Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)
The Black Cats are going down. Or so it seems with their performances all throughout the year. David Moyes needs a mini miracle to lift them out of the drop zone and if he is not able to, a number of players from the club might be looking to quit in the summer. One player who will surely be on the move is star striker Jermain Defoe.
Installed back into the England national set-up recently by Gareth Southgate, Defoe, 34, has been in terrific form this season and has been the only bright light for Sunderland this season. He has 14 goals and two assists in the top flight of English football and he will surely be in demand this summer if Sunderland does go down. The Hammers are linked with Defoe as well but at his age, he might not be able to play regularly and could act as a backup for Benteke at the Selhurst Park. He is available for free and is a worthy investment for the Eagles this summer.
Chris Wood (Leeds United)
The top goal scorer in the Championship at the moment, Wood has 24 goals to his name for Leeds United and is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the country at the moment. Having played for a number of English clubs at different levels in the country over the years, the 25-year-old is enjoying his most productive time at the Elland Road since his move to the club back in 2015.
Having played close to 50 games for the New Zealand national team, Wood is an experienced striker who is ready for the big step up. He is linked with a move to Everton and Stoke City which are decent propositions but Sam Allardyce might want to scout for him as he can fit into his system without much fuzz. Leeds United are currently in the fourth place in the Championship table and have a decent chance of promotion but if they do not achieve the feat, Wood could well make his move to the Premier League and Palace just cannot afford to miss out on him this summer.
