Crystal Palace and Leeds United have received an update on Jorgen Strand Larsen following news that he is linked with a move to Selhurst Park.
Palace’s pursuit of the Wolves striker is in limbo after a mediator told him the Eagles were willing to walk away from the deal.
The dramatic development unfolded tonight, breathing new life into Leeds’ pursuit of the Norway international just days before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Earlier today, Palace appeared to be clinching pole position after signing the 25-year-old in a deal worth £45m plus £5m extra.
According to reports, discussions are ongoing regarding both the fee structure and personal terms, with Palace expected to make a bid above Leeds’ £40m cap.
Daniel Farke’s side have been actively pursuing Strand Larsen throughout January, but refused to go beyond their valuation despite Wolves rejecting multiple approaches.
The player himself is reportedly in favor of a move to Elland Road, with his agent, who was a Leeds supporter as a boy, also keen to facilitate a move.
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Palace’s hesitation could be due to the complicated circumstances surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta’s departure.
The Eagles need Strand Larsen as a direct replacement for the France international, who is looking to leave Selhurst Park until the end of this month.
Forest’s £35m bid is £5m short of Palace’s offer, but AC Milan’s reported interest threatens to take over the deal completely.
Additionally, Palace today secured Evan Gesand on loan from Aston Villa, potentially reducing the urgency to sign Strand Larsen.
Financial considerations may also figure prominently. The proposed £50m package would be a huge outlay for the South Londoner, the club’s biggest ever.
For Leeds, Palace’s potential exit would be transformative.
Strand Larsen scored 14 goals and provided five assists last season and has six goals this season, proving his quality despite Wolves’ relegation battle.
His arrival could spark a fire for Los Blancos and it looks like the race could be on track.
However, Sky Sports reporter James Sabundra told The Transfer Show that hopes for Palace are not yet lost.
Crystal Palace and Leeds announce Jorgen Strand Larsen update following major trade twist
Savandra told “separate sources” this evening that talks between Palace and Wolves are continuing despite intermediaries threatening Molineux with a withdrawal.
“We understand that the deal is in jeopardy. We believe the intermediaries have informed Wolves that Crystal Palace are threatening to walk out of the deal,” Subbandra said.
“But apart from that, I have heard from another source that this is not the case and negotiations are ongoing. So things remain uncertain and hang in the balance at the moment.”
The story of Strand Larsen has great implications for the contrasting ambitions of both clubs.
For Leeds, securing him would change their outlook in the crucial Premier League, where firepower is crucial.
Farke desperately needs goals to keep his side out of the relegation battle and Strand Larsen’s 14 goal tally last season is testament to his proven Premier League quality.
Palace are facing a number of pressures.
Losing Mateta without a suitable replacement would be a devastating blow to Oliver Glasner’s already fragile squad after Gehi’s departure, and the Londoners are in need of further inspiration.
Indeed, their European ambitions, not to mention Palace’s quest to rediscover form, could depend on the addition of another proven attacking option following Gesand and Brennan Johnson.
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