Crystal Palace are interested in bringing £5m-rated Ipswich midfielder Andre Dozzell to Selhurst Park this month, but face competition from arch-rivals Brighton along with Bournemouth for the youngster’s signature.
What’s the word, then?
Well, according to The Mirror’s live transfer blog (January 9, 7:43am) the Eagles are tracking the 19-year-old who has impressed hugely for the Tractor Boys this season, making 11 appearances across all competitions this season for the Championship strugglers.
Dozzell suffered a serious knee injury on the opening day of last season, which limited him to just one appearance in the second tier throughout the entirety of the 2017/18 season. However, he has returned as if he never left.
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Ipswich are 10 points from safety and are currently propping up the Championship as they have endured a dismal campaign so far, with Dozzell the one shining light emerging from a bleak time at the club.
In a desperate bid to avoid relegation to League One, they may be inclined to cash in on the midfielder and reinvest the money in a number of new faces who could aid their survival fight.
Who is Dozzell?
The teenager was a part of the England youth sides that won the Under-17 and Under-19 European Championships in 2016 and 17 respectively, and is a highly-rated prospect who would perhaps be a more recognised name in English football were it not for his aforementioned injury.
Some of Dozzell’s main strengths are his ability to unlock a defence with his vision and execution of through balls, whilst he also enjoys carrying the ball forward and shooting from range.
Palace have lacked a classy midfield operator since Yohan Cabaye’s departure back in the summer, and need a different type of midfielder to compliment the physicality of Luka Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate.
A move for Dozzell would also fall in line with their tight budget, as the majority of it has understandably been set aside for a new striker to ease their goalscoring woes.