Cenk Tosun in for awkward time at Crystal Palace after saying he was ‘glad’ transfer failed two years ago

CENK TOSUN will join Crystal Palace on a six-month loan deal with the option to make it permanent for £17million next summer.

But the striker, 28, might be in for an awkward time after claiming he was “glad” when a transfer to Selhurst Park collapsed over two years ago.

Cenk Tosun claimed two years ago he was glad a move to Crystal Palace collapsedCredit: Getty

Tosun was approached by Palace in the summer of 2017 having scored 20 goals in 33 league appearances for Besiktas.

The Eagles were keen on a deal but for reasons unknown it failed to happen.

Tosun stayed in Turkey for six more months before joining Everton for £27m.

And in 2018, the forward told TRT Sport that he was pleased the Palace deal didn’t go through, because it allowed him to eventually join the “bigger” team in Everton.

Tosun said: “Crystal Palace wanted to sign me during the first half of the season but it didn’t happen.

“I’m glad it didn’t because now I play for a bigger club in the Premier League.”

However, Tosun is now looking to rebuild his career in South East London after scoring just ten goals in 47 games for the Toffees.

He stormed down the tunnel after being subbed by interim boss Duncan Ferguson last month.

And new gaffer Carlo Ancelotti appears to have no interest in keeping Tosun at Goodison Park.

Roy Hodgson’s decision to move for the forward could indicate that he expects one of his current strikers to leave Palace before the end of the month.

Ivorian star Wilfried Zaha continues to be linked with a big-money move to capital rivals Chelsea.

And Christian Benteke is said to be a target for former club Aston Villa after they lost Wesley to a long-term injury.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk