An emerging Welshman has completed his move from Tottenham to a Premier League rival for a record club fee.
Meantime, Liverpool is closing in on an Ecuadorian, while Raheem Sterling pursues a permanent Chelsea exit with two London clubs in the mix.
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Brennan Johnson on Friday completed a move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace for a reported fee of £35 million (AU$70,362,425).
The Wales international, 24, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Selhurst Park.
The forward, who fell out of favour under Thomas Frank at Spurs despite being the London club’s top scorer last season, is set to make his debut for Palace in their Premier League match against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday.
“I’m really excited and I’m really happy,” said Johnson, who is Palace’s record signing. “Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I’ve always admired.
“It’s a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: “Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability.”
Johnson finished with 18 goals last season and scored the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United to end Tottenham’s 17-year wait for silverware.
However, he has largely been a back-up to Mohammed Kudus since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou.
The transfer will be a huge boost to Glasner, who said his threadbare side were in “survival mode” following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
FA Cup holders Palace, 10th in the Premier League table, travel to Newcastle eager to end a six-match winless run in all competitions.
REDS CLOSE IN ON ECUADORIAN
Liverpool is set to cement a move for Club Brugge centre-half Joel Ordonez, as the Reds source defensive reinforcements for coach Arne Slot.
The Daily Mirror reports Liverpool could spend as much as £43 million (AU$86,472,570) for the 21-year-old Ecuadorian, given the initial purported fee of £35 million (AU$70,362,425) could increase with add-ons.
Since joining Club Brugge in 2023, Ordonez has made 57 starts for the Belgian giant, including 12 this season.
Brugge sits second in the Belgian Pro League with a second-best goal difference of 14, with Ordonez helping lead the club’s stout defence.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s 26 goals conceded through 19 games is 10th-worst in the Premier League, with the Reds’ need for help at the back no secret.
Liverpool is fourth in the standings, 13 points shy of current leaders Arsenal.
STERLING WANTS PERMANENT CHELSEA EXIT
Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling is reportedly “prioritising a permanent move” away from the Blues, with two rivals in the frame to land his signature.
Sterling, 31, has been on the outs at Chelsea — spending the second half of last season on loan at Arsenal — though Enzo Maresca’s exit isn’t expected to change the winger’s situation.
ESPN’s James Olley reports West Ham and Fulham have shown interest, but that Sterling rejected the Hammers’ advances due to the fact the club pursued a loan move as opposed to a permanent one.
Meanwhile, Fulham reportedly expressed an interest in attaining Sterling last transfer window and is considered interested in assessing a move this time around.
Chelsea is thought to be keen on offloading Sterling’s £325,000-a-week (AU$653,545) salary, with 18 months still left on the deal he initially signed in 2022 when crossing over from Manchester City.