Crystal Palace are thought to be eyeing a move for Club Brugge teenager Noah Mbamba.
Mbamba is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also turn out as a centre-back or central midfielder, as per Transfermarkt.
The 18-year-old has made 25 senior appearances for his current employers, with Football Talent Scout labelling his pace, tackling and passing as very strong aspects of his game.
The Belgian has even been described as a young Vincent Kompany, with Palace seemingly impressed and keen on his services.
Sports Witness relayed an update from Kicker regarding Mbamba, claiming that Bayer Leverkusen are getting closer to a summer move after agreeing on terms with the player.
However, the report adds that Palace and Chelsea have ‘made efforts’ to sign Mbamba this month and would be willing to pay Brugge a transfer fee.
TIF thoughts on Mbamba…
Palace have a number of relatively young players on the books at Selhurst Park, including Marc Guehi, Chris Richards, Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise.
However, Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur are both over the age of 30 and are out of contract at the end of the season, so Mbamba could be viewed as a long-term partner for Cheick Doucoure in midfield.
He’d also provide Patrick Vieira with another option in defence, so if Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman can, a winter window swoop for Mbamba could be a smart piece of business.