Crystal Palace turn toward Milan striker for survival boost

Goal-shy Crystal Palace are looking to boost their striking options during the January transfer window with a swoop on AC Milan.

Eagles manager Neil Warnock has identified Milan forward Nmandi Oduamadi as the man who could fire the south Londoners to safety – with the Selhurst Park outfit currently priced at 23/20 for the drop.

“Palace came to watch me and they are interested, but the problem is securing a work permit, let’s see what happens,” the player recently told reporters.

“It has been my dream to play in the English Premier League. I have to keep working hard because many teams are also interested.”

Oduamadi, a Nigeria international, is currently on loan at Serie B side Crotone but Warnock is hoping the 24-year-old could follow in the footsteps of Hull’s Abel Hernandez.

The Tigers have scored fewer goals than even Palace so far this season but the Uruguayan has been one of few bright sparks at the KC Stadium, scoring three goals in eight games since leaving Palermo where he scored 14 goals in 30 Serie B games last season.

Oduamadi’s start in Europe was a complex one, with both Milan and Genoa holding his rights, however he played just once for AC and not at all for Genoa before embarking on a series of loan spells.

So far, in a career spanning 54 games, the striker has amassed just nine goals but Warnock seems to be of the opinion that the stability of a permanent move and the chance to play for a manager who has faith in his abilities could bring the best out of Oduamadi.

He enjoyed his best season to date while on loan at Varese last year, netting four goals in 12 outings, and Warnock hopes his arrival will provide competition for places, with current forwards Kevin Doyle, Wilfried Zaha, Frazer Campbell, Dwight Gayle and Marouane Chamakh combing for just six goals so far.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.