Crystal Palace have added Chrislain Matsima to their defensive shortlist while continuing to explore moves for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles and Lens star Mamadou Sangaré.
The three links cover two areas Pierre Sage may need to strengthen before the new season.
Matsima is being considered while Chelsea continue to monitor Maxence Lacroix. Charles and Sangaré would provide different qualities in midfield as Palace prepare for Europa League football.
No formal Palace offer has been confirmed for any of the three players.
The reports remain at different stages, with Matsima representing an early expression of interest and Charles appearing to be the subject of a more established pursuit.
Palace must also protect their position over Lacroix and Adam Wharton. Neither player has been sold, and the club remain under no pressure to approve a move below their valuation.
Matsima emerges as a possible Lacroix replacement
Palace have registered an interest in Augsburg centre-back Matsima, according to talkSPORT.
The France Under-21 international has attracted attention following an impressive Bundesliga campaign, with Bayern Munich also reported to be monitoring him.
Matsima won around 74 per cent of his aerial duels last season. His strength in the air, recovery pace and experience defending in space could suit Sage’s preferred approach.
The 24-year-old is comfortable playing in a back four or on the right of a three-man defence. That flexibility would help Palace as Sage introduces his own structure at Selhurst Park.
The interest remains at an early stage.
There has been no confirmed bid or direct negotiation with Augsburg. Palace appear to be assessing Matsima alongside other possible centre-backs rather than treating him as an agreed replacement.
Lacroix’s future explains the need for preparation.
Chelsea have followed the France international throughout the summer and could increase their efforts now his World Cup campaign has ended.
ReadCrystalPalace previously examined why Palace cannot treat Lacroix as a routine sale. His pace and ability to defend a high line are difficult to replace, while his growing international reputation has strengthened Palace’s negotiating position.
Palace should not sell before securing a replacement.
Waiting until after Lacroix leaves would make the club more vulnerable in negotiations. Selling clubs would know Palace had received a significant fee and urgently needed a centre-back.
Matsima gives the recruitment team another name to assess, but the Bayern interest could make any deal more expensive.
Augsburg are also under no obvious pressure to sell. Palace would need to present a clear first-team role and the attraction of Premier League and European football.
The club have already considered Arthur Theate and Charlie Cresswell. Matsima’s emergence suggests the defensive shortlist remains open rather than settled.
Palace remain active in the Shea Charles race
Palace’s interest in Charles is more established.
Football Insider reports that the Eagles are well placed to compete with Leeds United after Southampton rejected offers worth around £20million and £23m.
Southampton are reportedly seeking closer to £30m for the Northern Ireland international.
Palace have not submitted a confirmed formal bid, but their involvement could complicate Leeds’ attempts to complete the deal.
Charles has three full Championship seasons behind him and has already collected extensive senior international experience.
He can operate as a defensive midfielder or centre-back. That versatility would be valuable across a season involving domestic and European football.
The 22-year-old would offer height, physical presence and defensive discipline. He could play behind a more creative midfielder or provide cover when Palace move between a back three and back four.
Europa League football may strengthen Palace’s position.
Leeds can offer Premier League minutes, but Palace can combine top-flight football with a European campaign. Sage could also offer Charles a role within a squad requiring genuine rotation rather than occasional cup appearances.
Southampton’s price remains the main issue.
Paying £30m would represent a major investment in a player who has yet to establish himself as a Premier League regular.
Palace must decide whether Charles is being recruited as a starter or as depth behind Wharton and Daichi Kamada.
ReadCrystalPalace has already warned that Palace cannot allow uncertainty around Wharton and Lacroix to stall recruitment.
Charles should not be viewed only as a possible Wharton replacement.
His defensive qualities differ from Wharton’s passing and control. The two could play together, especially in demanding European or away matches.
If Wharton stays, Charles would strengthen the squad. If a substantial offer eventually arrives for Wharton, Palace would still require another midfielder capable of dictating possession.
Sangaré offers Sage a familiar midfield option
Sangaré remains another possible midfield addition.
The Mali international worked under Sage at Lens last season and played an important role as the French club finished second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France.
Manchester United have also been linked, while several other clubs are reportedly monitoring the 23-year-old.
Lens value him at approximately €40m.
Sangaré offers more forward drive than Charles. He can recover possession, carry the ball through midfield and support attacks from deeper positions.
His familiarity with Sage’s methods could shorten the adaptation period.
Palace’s manager already understands Sangaré’s strengths, preferred role and response to tactical instructions. That knowledge reduces some of the uncertainty attached to a major transfer.
The price introduces another complication.
Lens have Sangaré under contract until 2030 and can demand a premium after his successful season. Palace would be committing a large part of their budget to a player with no Premier League experience.
ReadCrystalPalace’s latest transfer-window overview highlighted the difficult balance facing Sage. Palace need to strengthen for Europe while keeping control of their most valuable players.
Signing Sangaré would represent a major vote of confidence in the manager.
It would also raise questions over how Palace plan to use Wharton, Kamada and any further midfield arrival.
Sangaré and Charles are not identical targets. Palace could, in theory, sign both if departures create enough room and funding.
Charles would add defensive structure and versatility. Sangaré would bring carrying power, familiarity with Sage and more influence higher up the pitch.
Completing both deals without a major sale appears less likely.
No decisive movement on Lacroix or Wharton
Lacroix and Wharton remain Palace players.
Chelsea’s interest in both has been widely reported, but there has been no confirmed agreement with Palace.
The club’s stance over Lacroix is tied to finding a suitable replacement and receiving an acceptable fee.
Wharton’s valuation is considerably higher.
Palace have used the market for leading young English midfielders as a reference point, with Elliot Anderson’s £116m move to Manchester City strengthening their argument.
ReadCrystalPalace previously reported that Palace would demand a club-record fee for Wharton.
The midfielder is under contract until 2029, giving Palace no need to invite lower offers.
Sage would prefer to build around Wharton rather than replace him during his first summer.
The same principle applies to Lacroix. Palace should not weaken the starting XI simply because several replacements have appeared in transfer reports.
The shortlist provides protection, not proof that either player is leaving.
Palace need clarity before making major commitments
The latest names provide a clearer picture of Palace’s recruitment thinking.
Matsima fits the physical and tactical requirements of a possible Lacroix replacement.
Charles would improve defensive midfield depth and offer cover at centre-back.
Sangaré provides the most direct connection to Sage and could become a major part of the manager’s new midfield.
None is a simple deal.
Bayern’s interest complicates the Matsima situation. Southampton’s £30m demand leaves Palace with a difficult value decision over Charles. Lens have protected Sangaré with a long contract and a €40m valuation.
Palace must avoid allowing external interest in Lacroix and Wharton to dictate their spending.
They have the attraction of European football, a strong existing squad and a manager with a clear record of improving players.
The club’s next move should be based on Sage’s plans rather than fear of losing someone.
Matsima, Charles and Sangaré all make sense for different reasons. The order in which Palace pursue them will depend on what happens with Lacroix, Wharton and the available transfer budget.
For now, Palace are preparing for several possible outcomes while refusing to surrender control of their most important players.
