Big Sam looking to reunite with Sunderland man at Crystal Palace
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He may have struggled so far in his pursuit to bring names to Crystal Palace, but Sam Allardyce could be set to turn to a familiar face in an attempt to shore up his defence.
Despite featuring in all but one of Sunderland’s Premier League games so far this season, defender Patrick van Aanholt could be about to join relegation rivals Palace in a deal thought to be worth between £7-10m.
Reports are suggesting that the Black Cats have already rejected one bid from Big Sam, but he’s widely expected to return with an improved offer.
The former Chelsea left-back has been in fine form for struggling Sunderland so far this season.
And with three strikes to his name in the league, he’s already just one strike away from equalling his best record in front of goal.
Reports are suggesting that Allardyce has tried – and failed – to bring Arsenal full-backs Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson to Selhurst Park, so it’s clear where he thinks his side needs reinforcements.
And he’d be right to strengthen that area, too.
Although no side in the bottom 12 of the table has scored more than the Eagles this campaign, only Swansea City and Hull City have conceded more.
With less than two weeks to go until the January transfer window slams shut, Allardyce will have to act quick if he’s to add anyone else to his ranks.
He’s already spent £12m on Premier League winner Jeffrey Schlupp, although failure to bring anyone else in between now and February won’t be taken lightly by fans.
His arrival is yet to have the desired effect on struggling Palace. In fact, since taking over back in December, his side have won just one of six games – that being in the Emirates FA Cup against Bolton Wanderers last time out.
However, Crystal Palace have the chance to record their first league win in eight outings this weekend when Everton come to town, and 21/10 says they do exactly that.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
