Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark, according to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph. The 31-year-old is out of contract in the summer, meaning that he is now free to speak to other clubs about possibly signing a pre-contract.
Crystal Palace Eyeing Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark
Bruce Keen to Retain Defender
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce wants to tie the defender down to a new deal at St James’ Park. He joined the club in 2016 from Aston Villa after the Magpies were relegated to the Championship, and was a key member of the squad that earned promotion back to the top flight after just one season.
Clark has recently become a more prominent member of the first-team once again. He has started Newcastle’s last nine matches and was praised by Bruce following his performance in the goalless draw against Liverpool.
If Clark were to leave, it would likely leave Newcastle in a position where they have to recruit from elsewhere rather from within. However, reports have suggested that money is tight at the club again, and any such replacement may not match Clark in terms of quality.
Palace Looking for Sakho Replacement
Palace’s interest comes following Mamadou Sakho’s limited playing time. The centre-back is currently out of favour for Roy Hodgson’s side and it’s likely he’ll leave Selhurst Park either in this window or in the summer.
Both West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion have been credited with an interest in Sakho. He too is out of contract in the summer but Palace would be looking to sell this month rather than wait it out until the end of the campaign.
Current Baggies boss Sam Allardyce was the man who signed Sakho from Liverpool when he was in charge at Palace.
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