Crystal Palace may be close to walking away from talks to sign Sidiki Chérif, with growing frustration over the role of his representatives threatening to derail the move.
RMC Sport report that Palace’s patience is wearing thin as negotiations for the Angers striker continue to stall. The Premier League club are said to have already reached an agreement with the 19 year old on personal terms, yet no real progress has been made with his current club.
Discussions between Palace and Angers moved quickly at first, and a transfer worth more than €20 million looked likely. Since then, however, talks have ground to a halt. Palace believe repeated involvement from multiple English intermediaries has complicated matters and blocked any meaningful advances.
That situation has left the Eagles increasingly irritated, to the point where they are now weighing up alternative attacking targets. They have already begun sounding out other forwards as they assess different options. Angers, meanwhile, are waiting for an improved offer to arrive and are content for Chérif to remain with them for now, despite his understanding with Palace.
Crystal Palace may be forced into action in the striker market before the window closes. Jean Philippe Mateta is pushing for a move away, with Juventus and Aston Villa both showing interest, while Eddie Nketiah is currently sidelined through injury.
For now, the ongoing complications around Chérif’s proposed move could see Palace abandon the deal altogether, as dissatisfaction grows over the lack of progress in negotiations.