Premier League side Crystal Palace are thought to be mulling a transfer bid for Sunderland’s 26-year-old Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt.
Crystal Palace are have been struggling for options in the left-back position in recent months, with first-team wing back Pape Souare sidelined for the rest of the season after a traffic accident in September.
Palace had no choice but to field right-back Joel Ward in the position, as well as the inexperienced Ezekiel Fryers, both of whom not finding much success in the role.
Understandably, Palace are highly eager to sign a left-back or two to fill the void. They have already captured left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp from Leicester last week. Now they hope Van Aanholt can be convinced to jump ship and move to Selhurst Park.
According to the Guardian, The Eagles have already had a £7m initial bid turned down in recent weeks.
Undeterred, the club have improved their offer for Van Aanholt to £12m, which includes potential clauses.
However, Palace may find it difficult to convince Sunderland boss David Moyes to sell Van Aanholt.
The Scottish tactician has been very vocal about the lack of transfer funds available to him and will no doubt be insistent in keeping his players at the club.
Regardless, Van Aanholt, who moved to Sunderland from London giants Chelsea back in 2014, would be a great signing for Palace.
The South Norwood-based club have been struggling to create chances this season and the Dutch left-back can provide much-needed help.
Sure enough, Van Aanholt has an average chance creation rate of at least two per game with Sunderland – an option Palace manager Sam Allardyce wouldn’t mind having at Selhurst Park.
The Dutch defender can also dribble well and has a good pass, great for keeping possession – something Crystal Palace have struggled with during this campaign. Indeed, Palace only have an average possession rate of 48% this season.
Of course, whether Van Aanholt will indeed make the move from Sunderland to Palace, as of this moment, remains to be seen.