Leeds hopes fade as Palace pair tipped to diverge to either side of rivalry

Mason Greenwood, Patrick van Aanholt, Aaron Wan Bissaka

Two Crystal Palace players could end up on the opposite sides of a famous footballing divide when they leave the club, reports claim.

Palace currently have a lot of decisions to make about their players, as well as manager Roy Hodgson. With a number of contracts expiring at Selhurst Park in the summer, there could be some major changes. Now, reports have shed light on where some of their stars might end up.

Striker Christian Benteke and left-back Patrick Van Aanholt are two of the players with expiring contracts. Both aged 30, Palace could be looking to move on.

Van Aanholt has been suggested as a target for Leeds United if he becomes a free agent. However, his final destination may be in Turkey instead.

According to Sabah Spor, Van Aanholt is a top target for Galatasaray this summer. Coincidentally, they have also been linked with Ezgjan Alioski, the man Leeds could replace with Van Aanholt himself.

But it appears the Turkish club want the Dutchman as their primary target. In fact, they have put a contract offer on the table.

The deal would be worth €1.75m to Van Aanholt per season, over the course of three years. It seems the full-back is receptive to their offer and a deal could easily be done.

Patrick Van Aanholt has shown great maturity

Patrick Van Aanholt has shown great maturity

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says Patrick van Aanholt has shown great maturity after the left back was subjected to racist abuse on social media.

That would not discount a move for Alioski to Galatasaray, also as a free agent. The Super Lig club want to make wholesale changes at left-back, so it is possible they could target both.

But Van Aanholt is seen as the ideal reinforcement, so his future could lie away from the Premier League.

Benteke eyed by Istanbul rivals

Christian.Benteke.2021.TEAMtalk1

As for Benteke, though, his path could diverge to Galatasaray’s major rivals Fenerbahce.

According to Turkiye Gazetesi, Fenerbahce are keen to add the former Liverpool striker to replenish their attack.

Benteke is open to the move and therefore talks are continuing between both parties. He may have other offers on the table as well though.

But Fenerbahce can promise him a major role, as they are willing to offload two of their other current forwards to make room for him.


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The Belgian striker has found his form again somewhat in recent weeks. Half of his six Premier League goals for the season have come since late February.

He did have an offer to leave Palace for West Brom in January, but turned it down and opened the door to a move abroad. Now, it seems he will end up in Turkey.

Fellow Istanbul side Besiktas were also showing an interest. However, it seems Fenerbahce may be the ones to benefit from Benteke’s contract situation.

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