Crystal Palace are lining up an alternative in case their pursuit of Sidiki Cherif falls through, with Genoa forward Jeff Ekhator now on their radar.
According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, the Eagles have already agreed personal terms with Cherif, but negotiations with Angers have stalled over the transfer fee. With no breakthrough in sight, Palace are assessing other targets as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his attack amid Jean-Philippe Mateta’s expected departure.
Ekhator has emerged as a serious option, and a deal could be struck before the winter window closes. Genoa are reportedly open to selling the 19-year-old for a figure in the region of €18 million. Palace would not be alone in the race, however, as the Italy Under-21 international has attracted interest from elsewhere.
The young striker has scored three times in 19 outings this season, an improvement on last year when he managed a single goal and one assist across 24 Serie A appearances. Standing at 6ft 2in, the Genoa academy product is viewed as a high-ceiling prospect, with Palace confident his profile could translate well to the Premier League.
A switch to Selhurst Park could appeal to Ekhator, particularly with Mateta pushing for a move away and a potential starting role opening up. Palace do have other attacking options in Christantus Uche, Daichi Kamada and Ismaila Sarr, but Glasner is keen to add another recognised striker to his squad.
Time is tight with the February 2 deadline approaching, and while more names may surface, Palace know they cannot afford to delay. Losing Mateta would be a major setback, given he has scored eight times in 22 league matches this season and found the net 30 times across the previous two campaigns.
Securing the right long-term replacement is now a priority, especially as Palace look to strengthen their push in the Conference League.