MICHY BATSHUAYI could be offered a way out of Chelsea by Crystal Palace this summer, according to reports.
The Belgian appears to have lost his place as the Blues’ second choice striker in recent weeks, with Olivier Giroud’s good form putting him ahead of Batshuayi in the pecking order.
Crystal Palace could offer Michy Batshuayi a way out of Chelsea in the summer
And the 26-year-old could be set for a return to the club where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
Palace are believed to have enquired about Batshuayi’s availability in January, but were put off by the £45million quoted for his services.
However, the striker will enter the last year of his contract this summer and the Eagles will hope to make a swoop for Batshuayi in a cut-price deal.
The Belgian has started in just five of his 24 appearances under Frank Lampard this season, scoring six goals in all competitions.
And a disappointing display in the Blues’ 2-0 loss at home to Manchester United in February appears to have signalled the end for Batshuayi, with Giroud now featuring prominently for Lampard’s side in the absence of the injured Tammy Abraham.
The Belgian is thought to have told friends that he would prefer to stay in London if he leaves Chelsea, though he has also spent time on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Valencia in recent seasons.
Should he return to Selhurst Park, Batshuayi will hope to rediscover the form that helped him score six goals in 13 appearances for the Eagles.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson is known to be a fan and after signing a one-year contract extension at the club last week, will hope that he is able to land his top targets.
A striker is thought to be a priority for Palace this summer, as their tally of just 26 Premier League goals this season is the third-worst in the division.
The Eagles had shown an interest in signing Everton loanee Cenk Tosun permanently, but the Turkish striker returned to his parent club last week after damaging cruciate knee ligaments.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
