Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Crystal Palace plot Premier League raid to replenish key area, as Vieira rivals French pair

Morgan Sanson trying to get away from Ivan Toney

Morgan Sanson could leave Aston Villa after just 18 months, according to reports – but one potential transfer destination would keep him in the Premier League.

Villa signed Morgan Sanson from Marseille in January 2021. A couple of injuries have prevented him from making major progress, though. Indeed, he ended last season with just nine appearances and has only eight to his name this term.

Despite arriving with Champions League pedigree, none of those appearances have lasted 90 minutes. Steven Gerrard hinted in December that Sanson could become a part of his plans, but he is still having to be patient.

Now, rumours are emerging that Sanson could be on his way out of Villa Park. Even though he is under contract until 2025, his current employers may choose to cut their losses.

According to Jeunes Footeux in his native France, Sanson has not convinced Gerrard after all and therefore could be put on the market. It “would not be surprising”, they write, for him to leave at the end of the season.

In that regard, three clubs are said to be on alert. Lille and Rennes are apparently keen to take him on loan back to Ligue 1. However, there is also interest from within the Premier League, namely from Crystal Palace.

They are one of “a few English clubs” keeping tabs on the midfielder. The report does not identify any of the others.

Morgan Sanson in action for Aston Villa

Palace have made good progress under Patrick Vieira this season. Like Villa, they are mid-table in the Premier League on 30 points, having played two games more than Sanson’s current side.

But they will likely lose one midfielder in the summer when Conor Gallagher’s loan spell from Chelsea ends. Furthermore, Cheikhou Kouyate and James McArthur will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Therefore, Vieira could rejuvenate the position he used to roam when he was a player. With that in mind, he could try to tempt Sanson to Selhurst Park, rather than back to France.

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Turning 28 in August, Sanson should be in the prime of his career and will be eager to put his injury issues behind him. But he may need a fresh start away from the West Midlands to do so.

Morgan Sanson joins Real Madrid man on Crystal Palace wish-list

Sanson is the latest name to be linked with Palace as part of a potential midfield revamp. Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos is also on their radar.

Palace were reported to be preparing an opening offer of £15m for the Spain international. They would be willing to consider increasing it if Madrid hold firm.

However, Ceballos has struggled to force his way into contention back at the Bernabeu after his two years with Arsenal. It seems unlikely they would be able to command a huge fee – especially with his contract expiring in 2023.

Ceballos could be a ready-made replacement for Gallagher. Palace may provide him with the platform he needs for regular gametime.

Ahead of his 26th birthday in August, that is what Ceballos needs. A return to London may be beneficial, therefore – but it is clear Palace have a range of ideas in his position.

They have, for example, also cast their eyes on an emerging Championship starlet…

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