CRYSTAL PALACE’S hopes of a deal for Leicester star Boubakary Soumare are soaring after he missed out on a dream move to Monaco.
The Eagles have made the French midfielder their first choice to fill the gap left by Conor Gallagher’s return to Chelsea, with little chance of the England star returning on loan.
French giants Monaco were preparing to make a £17million offer but are pulling out after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The Foxes would prefer to sell Soumare, 23, but could now accept a loan with a view to buy deal at the death.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week how Soumare is on Palace’s radar.
Boss Patrick Vieira is a huge admirer of the player, who has struggled since signing from Lille for £17m last year.
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Soumare made 19 Premier League appearances in his first season at Leicester but failed to find the back of the net.
He has featured just once in the top-flight this campaign where he started in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Fellow Palace target Gallagher also started in the game, but he was sent off for two yellow cards in the 28th minute.
The Eagles may instead move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar ahead of Soumare.
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The Ligue 1 club want £20m but Palace might get Aouar cheaper in the next few days.
Nottingham Forest have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
Reports have stated that the former Arsenal target has even agreed personal terms with the newly-promoted side.
Aouar hasn’t been involved in the last two matches for Lyon since coming off the bench in the 2-1 win against AC Ajaccio in the opening game of the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
