Crystal Palace are preparing for several new arrivals in what they hope will be a “mega” January transfer window.
That is according to former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains highly connected within football and has exclusively told Football Insider that Oliver Glasner is intent on strengthening his squad depth.
Crystal Palace have already finalised the signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham this month, but there is no indication they are easing off in the transfer market.
This comes amid worries over the Eagles’ lack of depth during a demanding winter schedule, with limited high-quality options available from the bench.
As a consequence, further additions are expected to follow Johnson in at least three crucial areas as Palace aim to push strongly towards the end of the campaign.
Crystal Palace plan for busy January transfer window:
Brown told Football Insider back in November that Crystal Palace would support Glasner in January after recognising that their sluggish summer business left him dissatisfied.
The former scout, who boasts extensive experience in elite-level recruitment after more than a decade at Manchester United during their most successful era, believes the Eagles are now accelerating efforts to land several top-tier players.
“Crystal Palace want a mega transfer window,” he told Football Insider.
“They know their squad isn’t big enough and they’ve felt the effects of playing in Europe and trying to balance that with the Premier League and the cups.
“I don’t want to be disparaging of this Crystal Palace squad, but there are players who come off the bench and I can’t see how they’re going to make a difference.
“When you look at their options, there are only really one or two players to call upon.
“You see other clubs around where Palace want to be, they can bring on players who change a game, but Palace can’t do that at the moment.
“They’ve done really well with a small squad, but when you’re looking for that extra bit, they haven’t quite got it at the moment.
“So they’d like to get three or four players in to fill some key areas of the squad and give them that depth to change games and get them over the line.
“If they can do that, it could be a really promising season, but they need options and they need better quality players, but they know that and they’re hopeful of doing it.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta twist forces Palace into the market:
With several priority positions, including right wing-back and central midfield, on the Eagles’ shortlist, work is already underway to pinpoint suitable targets.
Brown told Football Insider on 30 December that Crystal Palace are in the market for a top-class striker, with the club’s recruitment staff already evaluating potential candidates.
This follows growing uncertainty over the long-term future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been unable to reach an agreement on a new deal at Selhurst Park.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Mateta is weighing up a move away from Crystal Palace, pushing the club to explore alternative options in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Palace could be forced into selling Mateta after contract negotiations collapsed due to a wage dispute.