Crystal Palace have taken Margate FC striker Freddie Ladapo on trial and will take a closer look at him when he plays for the U21s tonight.

According to a report by Jon Phipps of the Thanet Gazette, Margate accepted a transfer bid for the 23-year-old in the January window from an unknown non-league side but the player turned down the move as he is only interested in joining a Football League side.

Palace’s U21s face Watford U21s tonight and Ladapo is set to feature in the game, so the decision makers at the club will be able to have a good look at him.

David Rogers/Getty Images Sport

After the rise of stars such as Southampton’s Charlie Austin and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, it makes sense for Football League clubs to be looking for talent at the non-league level and Palace may have found a gem in Ladapo.

Should Palace want to sign him, Margate will not stand in his way, as long as the price is right.