Crystal Palace and Leeds United have been given an update on Jorgen Strand Larsen after news emerged that his move to Selhurst Park is under threat.
Palace’s move for the Wolves striker is hanging precariously in the balance after intermediaries communicated the Eagles’ readiness to walk away from the deal.
The dramatic development emerged this evening, breathing fresh life into Leeds’ pursuit of the Norwegian international just days before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Earlier today, Palace appeared firmly in pole position to land the 25-year-old in a deal worth £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Reports revealed advanced discussions regarding both fee structure and personal terms, with Palace seemingly outbidding Leeds’ £40 million ceiling.
Daniel Farke’s side have pursued Strand Larsen aggressively throughout January, but refused to exceed their valuation despite Wolves rejecting multiple approaches.
The player himself reportedly favoured the Elland Road switch, with his agent, a boyhood Leeds supporter, also eager to facilitate the move.
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Palace’s hesitation could stem from complications surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta’s exit.
The Eagles require Strand Larsen as a direct replacement for the France international, who’s been seeking a departure from Selhurst Park all month.
Forest’s £35 million bid falls £5 million short of Palace’s asking price, whilst AC Milan’s reported interest threatens to hijack the deal entirely.
Additionally, Palace secured Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa today, potentially reducing their urgency for Strand Larsen.
Evann Guessand
Financial considerations may also feature prominently. The proposed £50 million package represents a substantial outlay in what would be a club-record deal for the south Londoners.
For Leeds, Palace’s potential withdrawal would prove transformative.
Strand Larsen scored 14 goals and racked up five assists last season, with six strikes this campaign demonstrating his quality despite Wolves’ relegation struggles.
His arrival could ignite the Whites, and it appears the race could be well and truly on.
However, according to Sky Sports reporter James Savundra on the Transfer Show, all hope for Palace isn’t lost yet.
Crystal Palace and Leeds given Jorgen Strand Larsen update after major deal twist
Savundra, speaking to ‘separate sources’ this evening, says that Palace and Wolves talks remain ongoing, despite intermediaries threatening the Molineux side with a pull out of negotiations.
“We understand that the deal hangs in the balance. Intermediaries are believed to have communicated to Wolves that Crystal Palace are threatening to walk away from this deal,” Savundra said.
“However, separately, I’ve been told by separate sources that’s not the case, and talks are ongoing. So things do remain unclear and in the balance right now.”
The Strand Larsen saga carries enormous implications for both clubs’ contrasting ambitions.
For Leeds, securing him would transform their prospects during a crucial Premier League run-in where firepower will prove decisive.
Farke desperately needs goals to fire his side further away from the relegation battle, and Strand Larsen’s 14-goal haul last season demonstrates proven Premier League quality.
Palace face different pressures.
Losing Mateta without an adequate replacement would devastate Oliver Glasner’s already-fragile squad following Guehi’s departure, with the Londoners in need of more inspiration.
Indeed, their European ambitions, not to mention Palace’s quest to rediscover form, could depend on adding another proven attacking option after Guessand and Brennan Johnson.
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