Crystal Palace and Everton are both tracking Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi and a winter move is becoming increasingly likely, according to reports from Belgium. Het Laatste Nieuws revealed on Thursday that the right-back could be nearing an exit from Genk during the January window, with both Premier League clubs showing interest.
Further details from Africa Foot suggest that Palace, Everton and Benfica are all monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation. The report claims that the two English sides have already moved into advanced talks after sounding out the player’s camp.
At present, Crystal Palace are leading the race and are pushing hardest to reach an agreement. Injuries to Daniel Muñoz and Nathaniel Clyne have left Oliver Glasner short of options on the right side of defence, making reinforcements a priority this month. Everton, meanwhile, are said to be progressing more carefully under David Moyes.
Genk are reportedly willing to sanction a sale if their valuation of between €10 million and €12 million is met, which will come as encouragement to interested clubs.
El Ouahdi is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League and sees England as the next step in his career. His preference is to join a stable club with clear ambition, ideally one capable of challenging for European qualification.
A source close to the player told Africa Foot that competing for a place in Europe is an important factor in his decision-making.
In the league standings, Crystal Palace sit 13th, just one point behind Everton in 12th, as both sides look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.