Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign highly rated River Plate right-back Gonzalo Montiel in the next transfer window, but will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Southampton and West Ham, as well as some notable Serie A heavyweights.
Montiel has readily impressed during his time at River, making 91 appearances for the club and helping them to the Copa Libertadores trophy in 2017/18, while earning four senior caps for Argentina along the way.
The 23-year-old has been tipped for a move to Europe this summer and there will be a long list of suitors vying for the defender's signature whenever the transfer window opens.
According to Goal, not only do Premier League pair Southampton and West Ham want the Argentine, but Roy Hodgson's Palace are also in hot pursuit, while Serie A sides Roma and Inter have also been touted with a move for Montiel.
A reported £18.5m release clause in Montiel's contract with River has only fuelled rumours linking him with a move away from South America this summer, with the Argentinian side unable to stop the full-back leaving if the fee is met.
Palace have struggled with defensive injuries this term and have failed to replace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka following his blockbuster move to Manchester United last summer. As a result, the Eagles may be eager to dip in to their pockets in the next transfer window and provide Hodgson with a little more strength in depth across his backline.
Palace were close to signing young West Brom defender Nathan Ferguson in January but an expected deal fell through following issues that arose in the 19-year-old's medical.
Hodgson's men are currently sat 11th in the Premier League table as football takes a break following the spread of the coronavirus, and are sat 12 points off the bottom three with nine games to play.
Source : 90min