---
title: "Palace and United go head-to-head for Sporting Lisbon star"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2016/01/14/palace-united-go-head-head-sporting-lisbon-star/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Wilcox"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2016-01-14T10:43:57Z"
modified: "2016-01-14T10:45:56Z"
---

# Palace and United go head-to-head for Sporting Lisbon star

Crystal Palace look set to go head-to-head with Manchester United for the signing of Sporting Lisbon’s Islam Slimani.

According to the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-to-rival-crystal-palace-for-islam-slimani-thursdays-top-transfer-stories-a3156251.html), Palace are in the market for a striker and the Algerian-born attacked fits the Eagles’ bill.

A lack of goals has been a real worry for Alan Pardew in recent weeks/months, with the loss to Aston Villa further cementing the fact they may need to dip into the January transfer market.

Connor Wickham is the only Palace striker to score a goal for the club this season – highlighting just how in need Pardew is off attacking threat.

Slimani currently has 13 goals in 16 league games so far this season but is rated at around £12m.

![Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readcrystalpalace.com/readcrystalpalace/sites/17/2016/01/484417180.jpg)

Man United are said to have an interest in the forward, along with Palace, which may hinder any move – or at least serve to drive up the player’s price.

Louis van Gaal’s men have hardly been scoring for fun, despite Tuesday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle, and the appeal of Slimani may tempt the Manchester giants into making a move.

Palace have just 18 days to sort any deal, should they wish to.