Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is approaching a transfer to Crystal Palace, with a deal valued at approximately $41m nearly finalized, according to Sky Sports.
The 21-year-old has informed Leicester of his wish to join Palace, who view him as a possible successor to Eberechi Eze. Negotiations are advancing, and there is general consensus on the price, but Palace are still considering their choices before making a firm commitment.
Leicester, relegated last season, continue to face financial pressure. They have already seen goalkeeper Mads Hermansen move to West Ham this summer and could experience additional exits before the window shuts.
El Khannouss has been one of the few highlights during a tough stretch for the Foxes. He has featured in all three matches this season across various competitions, delivering two assists in the opening-day triumph over Sheffield Wednesday.
Palace are also tracking Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, but the 18-year-old would command over $58m, making El Khannouss a more feasible option.
The Belgian-born Moroccan has been widely anticipated to depart Leicester following their relegation, and a move to Selhurst Park could present him with the chance of European football.
El Khannouss remains under contract at Leicester, but a switch to Palace would conclude a prolonged transfer narrative and provide much-needed revenue to the Championship side.
Sky Sports pundit’s concerning Bilal El Khannouss to Crystal Palace assessment
El Khannouss was substituted at half-time in Leicester’s loss to Preston North End at the weekend, with his team trailing 1-0 at the break before ultimately falling 2-1.
Still has reintegrated Dibling at Southampton and introduced the winger as a late substitute in the draw at Ipswich Town for his initial minutes of the Saints’ season.
Amid the ongoing transfer drama, former Southampton player Charlie Austin expresses concern about whether El Khannouss will meet the mark at Selhurst Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Austin said: “It’s not a replacement (for Eze), it’s someone that can come in and be a part of the replacement strategy but it’s going to be a tough one to replace.
“I think if Tyler Dibling comes in, if they take both of them, then they’ve got a chance to replace him.
“But for me, the biggest outcome of it all is why has it stopped now, why are they waiting, they are obviously not sure.
“Yes, they’ve agreed over the payment structure, but Oliver Glasner will know what type of player he wants in.
“He might look at the weekend and after 45 minutes, you look at his (El Khannouss’) body language as well with what’s going, it might not be talked about that he is trying to force a move, but ultimately is he really going to fill them boots and also hit the ground running.
“Eze’s been unbelievable, El Khannouss will have to come in and really fill that void straight off, and I’m not sure he’s the one for that.”