Crystal Palace are weighing up a formal approach to sign Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as they look to strengthen their squad depth.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace have been “doing their due diligence”, with club scouts closely monitoring the 24-year-old’s progress.
Daniel Munoz’s long-term injury has highlighted a clear problem area in Oliver Glasner’s squad, with Nathaniel Clyne also sidelined after picking up an injury in recent weeks.
That situation has prompted Palace to look back to Munoz’s former club, where El Ouahdi has flourished since stepping into the role vacated by the energetic wing-back following his move to Selhurst Park.
The Morocco international has registered four goals and one assist in 14 Pro League appearances this season and is regarded as a leading target.
Crystal Palace eye Zakaria El Ouahdi transfer
Brown told Football Insider on January 4 that Crystal Palace are ready to invest heavily this month, following the early signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham.
A new right wing-back is understood to be next on the agenda, with El Ouahdi remaining firmly on their radar despite no formal bid being submitted yet.
“Crystal Palace are working to find a replacement for Munoz,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He [El Ouahdi] is somebody they’ve identified who fits that mould, he’s an attacking wing-back, and they would’ve had scouts out there keeping tabs on him.
“So Palace are doing their due diligence on this one and it certainly seems to be a deal they want to do.
“Then they’ll know the player’s view on it as well, whether he wants to make the move, if he’s willing to be a backup and what the plans are going forward.
“Munoz has been one of the best in his position in the league since he arrived at Palace, and is certainly up there with the likes of Mateta and Eze for his importance to them.
“So to replace him is always going to be a difficult task, but it’s something Palace are aware of and have been working on. That’s how it should be.”
Could Daniel Munoz leave Crystal Palace?
Palace’s interest in El Ouahdi is not solely about adding short-term cover, but also reflects plans to line up a long-term successor to Munoz.
Brown told Football Insider on November 14 that Crystal Palace are keen to retain Munoz beyond the January transfer window despite mounting interest in his services.
However, the Colombian international has been open about his ambition to move to a bigger club in the future, having previously name-checked Barcelona and Manchester United.
Brown added on November 17 that Manchester United could consider a move for Munoz in January after becoming aware of his desire to join.
That followed Munoz admitting it would be a “dream” to play for clubs such as United, Barcelona, PSG or Real Madrid.