Crystal Palace identify bargain Sidiki Cherif alternative as Wrexham open hijack talks

Crystal Palace have identified a potential deal replacement for January target Sidiki Cherif, following a major update regarding Wrexham.

Wrexham threatens to kidnap Crystal Palace as Sharif talks continue

Palace’s pursuit of the Angers teenager faced major obstacles, with negotiations faltering due to the intervention of several English mediators (RMC Sport).

Complications arise as Championship side Wrexham prepare to challenge the Premier League side for the signature of the highly-rated striker.

Wrexham have reportedly made a huge £19m bid for the 19-year-old striker (Alan Nixon), demonstrating their ambitious intention to bolster Phil Parkinson’s promotion-chasing squad.

The financial package consists of an initial payment of £12m with additional bonuses, and is likely to include a significant promotion clause should the Welsh club reach the Premier League (Alan Nixon).

Palace once appeared in a position to secure Sharif after reaching an agreement with the player.

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The Crystal Palace star could leave along with Jean-Philippe Mateta as agents eye a move for Palmeiras

There is an ongoing exodus in Selhurst Park.

However, reports from France claim that the Eagles have hit a brick wall in discussions, with agent interference complicating the deal and potentially threatening Oliver Glasner’s side (RMC Sport).

The collapse threatens the Palace striker’s plans at a critical juncture, especially given Jean-Philippe Mateta’s desire to leave Selhurst Park this winter.

Sky Sports have also confirmed that Wrexham have opened talks with Angers over a deal for Sharif, in a move that could see Palace snatched up by a Championship side after an already turbulent week for the south Londoners.

However, Palace’s move for Sharif is not completely off the table just yet.

Crystal Palace determines the Siddiqi Sharif deal as a replacement for Jeff Ecator

According to talkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, if Palace cannot complete a Sharif deal after all, Genoa striker Jeff Ecator is an option for Glasner and co.

The 19-year-old also commands a transfer price of £15.5m after drawing comparisons with legendary Argentine striker Hernan Crespo, making him a very interesting option indeed.

The story of Ekator is the quintessential local hero story.

Starting at Don Bosco, a popular club in the Sampierdarena region, he joined Genoa’s academy at the age of eight – a decision that proved transformative.

Ekator is progressing through the Rossoblu youth ranks, where he featured for the U18 and U19 teams during the 2023/24 season, helping the U18 side win the national championship.

His performances demanded first-team attention, earning him a pre-season appearance under Alberto Gilardino in July 2024.

The striker’s first professional match arrived in 2024, as he came on in the 84th minute during a 1-0 Coppa Italia win over Reggiana. Eight days later, he made his Serie A debut against Inter Milan, and Ecator became one of the youngest Serie A debutants that season.

Ecator played 17 matches in the Italian League this season, playing 421 minutes, scoring two goals, and starting three matches.

He is one of Genoa’s rising stars, and his potential is not lost on Palace as they are now considering a move for the teenager.

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Crystal Palace are now opening talks to sign a ‘phenomenal’ £40m replacement for Mateta

The Eagles are interested in a new forward.