CRYSTAL PALACE money man John Textor is ready to complete his multi-million-pound takeover of French side Lyon this week.
The American, 57, has found new backers for the project after he hit snags in his original bid to do a deal that would have seen Palace brought into a ‘super group’ of clubs.
Now Textor is finalising the Lyon swoop, he will immediately give the French outfit cash for January signings.
Anxious Palace are still waiting to see if they will be the ‘losers’ — if Textor has used his funds on the Lyon project at their expense.
Palace were hoping Textor would be spending most of his cash on them rather than have to wait in the queue — but they could be further down his priorities.
Fellow Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer, also major shareholders, have their own networks going, too.
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Steve Parish is the only significant figure at Palace totally committed to them alone.
The Eagles are currently searching the loan and bargain markets for the two or three players they want until extra funds arrive.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old star man Wilfried Zaha is tipped to run down his contract.
That could put alert Arsenal and Chelsea on alert for a summer free transfer.
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And the Eagles could offer new contracts to keeper Vicente Guaita and striker Jordan Ayew.
Both have been regulars as Patrick Vieira’s side prepare for the Prem return in 11th place.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
