Crystal Palace are closing in on the signing of Ousmane Diomande after agreeing a £47 million deal with Sporting CP, according to Sport Witness. The fee is expected to include bonuses, with the final details now being negotiated.
The Ivorian centre-back is viewed as a potential replacement for Marc Guéhi, who is edging closer to a move to Liverpool.
Embed from Getty ImagesDiomande is said to be excited by the Premier League opportunity and is attracted by the project at Selhurst Park, where he is set to earn a “millionaire salary.” Personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Sporting were initially protected by an £68 million release clause but appear to have accepted a lower offer from Palace. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the percentage the Portuguese club will receive from any future sale of the 20-year-old.
Embed from Getty ImagesDiomande’s arrival would likely pave the way for Guéhi’s departure. The Palace captain has just one year left on his current deal and has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
The Premier League champions are in advanced talks with the 24-year-old and have reportedly agreed a five-year contract.
Liverpool must now negotiate a fee with Palace, who are expected to lower their £65 million valuation to facilitate the move. Guéhi is understood to be pushing for the transfer as he seeks a step up ahead of the new season under Arne Slot.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
INMR FOOTBALL 
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