Premier League clubs cannot afford to be inactive when it comes to transfers, even outside of the official window.
This is the same for Crystal Palace, who have started to plan for the summer window.
They are reportedly interested in a couple of young talents who could elevate them higher up the Premier League table next season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The former Palace right-back is still only 25, but has not had it all his own way since leaving Selhurst Park for Manchester United.
He was, however, brought on to replace Diogo Dalot at half time of the Carabao Cup final. This was a mark of the trust Erik ten Hag is developing in him - the manager has seemed to prefer Dalot in that position for much of the season.
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Wan-Bissaka shut down the dangerous Allan Saint-Maximin, which helped his team secure their first trophy of the season.
Reports suggest the Eagles would like to bring the star back to London, a possibility that seemed more feasible when he appeared to be out-of-favour at United. Crystal Palace have 31-year-old Nathaniel Clyne and 33-year-old Joel Ward to play that position, so the club’s hierarchy will recognise the need for a refresh.
If Wan-Bissaka is not available then expect Crystal Palace to be busy in the summer market for a right-back.
Chuba Akpom
The former Arsenal academy graduate is leading the Championship golden boot race with 19 goals for Middlesbrough. With that level of goal-scoring in the Championship, Premier League clubs were always going to be interested and Palace appear to be one of them.
The Palace team have struggled for goals from their strikers this season and will be in the market to find a striker who can best make use of the chances their talented wingers create. Akpom, who finally seems to be utilising his potential, may fit this bill.
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We have seen this story before with players like Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, one opting to stay with Brentford and the other making the move as the Bees failed to get promoted.
His future may well hinge on whether Middlesbrough get promoted this season. They have enjoyed a revival under Michael Carrick and will hope the faith they showed in Akpom will translate to loyalty whether they are promoted or not come the end of the season.
Time will tell but Crystal palace will hope to entice the talented forward and bolster their attack for next season.
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