Crystal Palace is poised to secure the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after a successful trial and is also evaluating a potential move for winger Solly March.
Last week, BBC Sport reported that Palace and Tomiyasu were in discussions regarding a permanent contract that would see the Japanese international return to the Premier League.
The club is advancing with Tomiyasu’s signing as they prepare for the upcoming season. An agreement on the terms has been reached, and Palace’s head coach, Pierre Sage, has been tasked with determining if he will bring the versatile 27-year-old defender on board.
Additionally, Palace is exploring the possibility of adding March to their squad, following his departure from Brighton at the end of the previous season. March, who is 32, has been recommended to the club, and discussions about this potential deal are taking place internally at Selhurst Park.
Sage plans to implement a three-central-defender formation next season, and Tomiyasu is seen as a possible candidate to occupy the left side of that trio.
Despite recent knee injuries impacting Tomiyasu’s career, Palace remains confident in his abilities but is seeking reassurance regarding his fitness. After parting ways with Arsenal last season, Tomiyasu made eight appearances for Ajax towards the end of the campaign and played in three matches for Japan during the World Cup, including two starts.
Palace is looking to bolster their defensive lineup this summer, especially after first-choice central defender Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea.
The club has also shown interest in a potential loan move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, though there are currently no signs that Chelsea is willing to let the 20-year-old leave.
Furthermore, according to BBC Sport, Palace is keenly interested in Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen.