Crystal Palace’s chances of signing Napoli and Mexico winger Hirving Lozano could increase due to Patrick Vieira being at the helm.
That is according to Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the Eagles’ potential transfer business this summer.
According to Area Napoli (via Sport Witness) both Palace and West Ham are in the picture to sign Lozano from the Italian giants this summer.
The same report goes on to state that the agency that represents the 27-year-old has a good relationship with both Premier League clubs, and this is potentially why these links are emerging.
The sticking point in the deal is that neither side seems eager to pay the approximate £16.8m transfer fee plus his £3.7m yearly salary in Italy.
However, O’Rourke believes that Vieira’s presence as Palace manager could increase the Eagles’ chances of securing Lozano and players of his calibre this summer.
Asked whether Palace being in the running for Lozano was a result of Vieira’s potential pulling power, he replied: “Yeah, definitely. I think it can only help your chances of signing the best players having legendary Premier League players managing that club and trying to get you to join them and work with them and the project that they’re going forward [with].”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We think that Palace fans will be delighted to hear that O’Rourke believes a manager of Vieira’s standing can attract high-calibre players to Selhurst Park.
However, we feel that the club may be better placed to look for alternative options, with Lozano’s wages suggesting that he would need to put in better performances than he did last season, which resulted in him scoring just six goals and providing the same amount of assists in 37 appearances for Napoli, according to Transfermarkt.
We do believe, however, that with the right coaching, the 56-time Mexico international would make a real impact for Palace this season, and that is why we think the club are best placed to make a decision on whether to sign the winger or not.