Transfer Musings

With deadline day looming, and Pulis and Co. yet to do any business in the transfer market, let’s take a look at who could, and perhaps should be, making their way to South London before February 1^st.

Goalkeepers

With Julian Speroni in characteristically consistent form this season the goalkeeping department is not of particular urgency for Pulis in this window. Nevertheless, the Welshman likes a goalkeeper with a commanding presence in the area, and for all of Speroni’s strengths I think most palace fans would agree he is not the most authoritative of keepers.

The press have linked the Eagles to Wolves’ Wayne Hennessey and more recently Leicetser’s Kasper Schmeichel.  Of the two Hennessey is the most likely candidate to come to Selhurst this January. With Wolves currently playing in the third tier of English football, the Welsh international could see the chance to join palace as another opportunity to play in the top flight, although in all likelihood he would be playing second fiddle to Jules at least for the remainder of this season.

Defenders

The central defence is an area that is seriously underdeveloped at the moment. Danny Gabbidon and Damien Delaney have both put in warrior like performances this season, and are one of the key factors in the recent resurgence under Pulis. However they lack that crucial yard of pace at times and are still prone to basic errors which are costly at Premier League level. Both are now approaching their mid-30’s and with Marriapa being employed as a right back, the Eagles need serious long term cover in this department.

Surprisingly press and pundits alike have failed to link us substantially with any defenders so far, with the exception of Ipswich full-back Aaron Creswell, and former Eagle Mark Hudson. Hudson would be welcome with open arms by the Selhurst faithful and would provide another experienced head at the back for the Eagles. However, Pulis needs to also look at the long term future of the defence beyond this season, and buy appropriately. Leicester’s Liam Moore has been a revelation this season for the Championship leaders, and has attracted a host of attention from the Premier League clubs. At just 21, and with the promise of first team Premier League football, Pulis could convince Moore that Selhurst is the best option for him, and in doing so secure a long term investment that should reward Palace with a decent re-sale value.

With Iain Moody now overseeing recruitment at Selhurst, the Eagles are likely to be casting their net further a field in the final weeks. So a few names that maybe of some interest for Palace fans to keep an eye on include 21 year-old Valencienne and France under-21 centre-half Lindsay Rose, who although only joined his current club in the summer could be swayed by the lure of Premier League football. Also 25-year-old Ghanaian international Isaac Vorsah who fits the mould of the young, commanding, and towering centre half that matches the Pulis model of defending, and could be in need of game time, after not playing regularly for his current club Red Bull Salzburg.

Midfielders

Palace at the moment have an embarrassment of riches in terms of central midfielders. Jedinak, KG, O’Keefe, Bannan, Williams, Guediora and Campana are all capable of playing in those two holding roles effectively, so it might be a case of who is leaving in this department. The likes of Owen Garvan and Jose Campana, who have both seen their game time limited this season, might choose to move onto pastures new.

It is on the wings where Pulis might feel the need for strengthening. Yannick Bolasie has been outstanding since his recovery from injury, but is still marred by inconsistencies in the final third and a lack of goals. Whereas Jason Puncheon on the other flank is the definition of inconsistency, sublime one game (Vs Stoke), criminally awful the next (Vs Tottenham).  That being said a permanent move for the Southampton Loanee could prove a shrewd bit of business for Pulis as it would free up a loan-option and insure Puncheon remains dedicated to the cause for the back end of the season.

Academy graduate and play-off hero Wilfried Zaha on loan from Manchestser United appears to be the fans firm choice, but a deal is unlikely with Moyes reluctant to let the England international leave in the midst of a mini injury crisis. A big money signing in this position could be Pulis’s only real option in his bid to bring more creativity and attacking flair to the side. FC Twente’s Dusan Tadic could be an attainable target in this respect, although pricey, his 8 goals and 7 assists this season prove his capabilities in both creating and scoring goals. And with Twente not in Europe this season a switch to the Premier League might be on the cards. Celtics Joe Ledley and Stokes’ Matthew Etherington have also been muted in the press as potential targets for the Eagles.

Attackers

It is in attack that Palace are in serious need of reinforcements. Despite some industrial performances from Jerome, Gayle and Chamakh, they have been seriously goal shy this season. Palace are currently the divisions lowest scorers with just 14, and this needs to dramatically improve if the Eagles want to stay up.

Reportedly in for both Nikica Jelevic and Shane Long before both went to Hull City last week, shows that upfront is where Pulis is main focus lies in this window. The likes of Danny Ings, Jordan Rhodes and Adam Le Fondre have all been ear marked as Championship targets, but would all take a substantial chunk out of the January budget to secure their services. Out of the three Le Fondre is the only one with proven premier league potential and could be effective from the bench. However Palace need a dynamic, focal point for their attack, someone in the mould of Jerome but with better finishing ability in order to take the responsibility off of Chamakh. Vincent Aboubakar of Lorient in France could well prove to be the man to fit the bill. Currently with 11 goals and 4 assists in League 1 this season, he ticks all the boxes. He would be the big, strong, powerful forward through which the side can be built around. Peter Crouch has also been widely speculated upon due to the Pulis/Stoke connection, however his age and wage demands will work against him. A much more affordable and long term target who will do a similar job to Crouch is Brondby giant Simon Makienok, who at 6 foot 8 inches will provide a significant aerial threat in attack.

---