Crystal Palace are set to miss out on Aurèle Amenda despite making a late attempt to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back.
The Eagles expressed an interest in the 22-year-old, but Coventry City are expected to complete his transfer once he passes a medical.
The Athletic reports that Palace entered the race late, with Amenda already committed to joining the newly promoted Premier League club.
Coventry have reportedly agreed a club-record package worth around £17m, potentially rising towards €20m through bonuses. The Switzerland international is expected to complete his medical before signing a long-term contract.
Palace must move quickly in centre-back search
Missing out on Amenda leaves Palace searching for another defensive option while Maxence Lacroix’s future remains unresolved.
Chelsea continue to monitor the France international, although Palace have placed a high valuation on one of Pierre Sage’s most important defenders.
ReadCrystalPalace’s latest transfer update outlined Palace’s interest in Charlie Cresswell as a possible succession option if Lacroix leaves Selhurst Park.
Amenda would have offered a younger alternative with Bundesliga and Champions League experience. He made 29 appearances for Frankfurt last season after establishing himself more regularly during the second half of the campaign.
However, Coventry’s negotiations were already advanced before Palace registered their interest. The defender is now expected to continue his career under Frank Lampard rather than move to south London.
Palace have also been linked with Amenda’s Frankfurt team-mate Arthur Theate, who is reportedly valued between €20m and €25m.
Sage needs greater certainty before pre-season gathers pace. Palace cannot afford to lose Lacroix without having a replacement ready to arrive.
The late move for Amenda suggests the club are exploring several options. It also shows the danger of waiting while other Premier League sides advance their own business.
